⚠️ VACCINES DURING THE PrEP ACCESS CRISIS: Even if you are stuck on a PrEP waitlist and cannot yet access HIV prevention medication, you can and should still get vaccinated. Mpox vaccination is particularly urgent given the 2026 clade Ib surge. Hepatitis A & B vaccines are free and available through your GP. HPV vaccination may now be available through the 2026–2029 catch-up campaign. Do not let the PrEP waitlist paralyze all your prevention efforts. Vaccines are a layer of protection you can access right now.

1. HPV (Virus del Papiloma Humano)

  • The Rule (updated 2026): Spain has historically not funded HPV vaccination for adult men. However, this is changing:
    • Boys are now included in the routine adolescent vaccination schedule (age 12).
    • Catch-up campaign (2026–2029): Spain has announced a national catch-up vaccination program targeting non-vaccinated individuals aged 21–26. This includes gay and bisexual men. Check with your regional health authority for enrollment.
  • If you don't qualify for the catch-up: You can buy "Gardasil 9" at the pharmacy.
    • Price: ~€175 per dose (x3 doses = ~€525 total).
  • Exceptions: Some regions (like Catalonia) fund HPV vaccination for HIV-positive men or gay and bisexual men on PrEP. Ask your clinic.

2. Mpox (Viruela del Mono)

  • Status: Funded and available for gay and bisexual men, particularly those on PrEP or involved in chemsex.
  • Where: Vaccination centers (Centros de Vacunación Internacional) or Preventive Medicine units at hospitals.
  • Booking: Usually online via the regional health portal (e.g., Cita Sanitaria Madrid).

2026 Alert: Spain is experiencing a renewed mpox surge in early 2026, including confirmed clade Ib cases. Vaccination drives targeting gay and bisexual men have been intensified. If you have not been vaccinated, this is urgent — contact your regional health portal or a community clinic (BCN Checkpoint, Sandoval, Apoyo Positivo) to book.

3. Hepatitis A & B

  • Status: Funded.
  • Access: Ask your GP (Médico de Cabecera). They can prescribe it and a nurse at the Centro de Salud will inject it.

Summary

  • Mpox: Urgent in 2026. Get vaccinated now if you haven't.
  • HPV: Check if you qualify for the 2026–2029 catch-up. Otherwise, prepare to pay ~€525.
  • Hep A/B: Go to the public system. Free and straightforward.

Related: