France runs an active vaccination programme for gay and bisexual men with multiple partners, with several important vaccines available free of charge. The age rules matter — particularly for HPV, where the free window closes at 26.
Mpox (Monkeypox) Vaccine
Free for gay and bisexual men with multiple partners.
France has run a proactive Mpox vaccination campaign since 2022. Gay and bisexual men with multiple or changing partners are in the defined risk group (groupes à risque) for free vaccination.
Where to book:
- Search "vaccination variole du singe" or "vaccination Mpox" on Doctolib.fr
- CeGIDDs — most offer Mpox vaccination; book via Doctolib or the CeGIDD directly
- Vaccination centres (centres de vaccination) — search santé.fr
The vaccine is Imvanex/Jynneos (two doses, 28 days apart). Both doses are free.
Hepatitis A and B
Free for gay and bisexual men when prescribed by a doctor.
Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines are reimbursed by Assurance Maladie for gay and bisexual men with multiple partners — classified as a risk group. Your GP or CeGIDD doctor can prescribe:
"Je suis homosexuel avec plusieurs partenaires. Ai-je droit aux vaccins hépatite A et B remboursés?" ("I'm gay with multiple partners. Am I entitled to reimbursed hepatitis A and B vaccines?")
Process: prescription from doctor → purchase vaccine at pharmacy → administration by nurse or doctor.
A combined Twinrix vaccine covers both Hepatitis A and B in one course (3 injections over 6 months).
HPV Vaccine — The Age Cutoff
France reimburses HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9) on Assurance Maladie up to age 26 for men who have sex with men (currently — check current national schedule at ameli.fr as policy evolves). This covers approximately 65% of the cost via Sécu; Mutuelle typically covers the remaining 35%.
Under 26: Get the vaccine now — it's effectively free with good Sécu and Mutuelle coverage.
Over 26: Not routinely reimbursed. Out-of-pocket cost is approximately €135 per dose × 3 doses = ~€405 plus injection fee. Some Mutuelles have enhanced coverage that includes HPV for adults — check your policy.
Why it matters: HPV causes anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts. Gay and bisexual men with receptive anal sex are at elevated risk of HPV-related anal cancer. The French policy of covering up to 26 means many gay men who come out later miss the free window — worth paying for privately if you haven't been vaccinated.
How the French Vaccine System Works
Unlike some countries where you receive vaccines directly at a clinic:
- Doctor prescribes the vaccine (ordonnance)
- You buy it at the pharmacy (pharmacie) — vaccines are dispensed in a bag/box
- A nurse (infirmière libérale) administers the injection — you need a separate appointment. Find an infirmière libérale via Doctolib.fr
Reimbursement: Assurance Maladie covers your share; with tiers payant, you pay €0 or minimal amount at each step.