Croatia's vaccination landscape for gay and bisexual men is patchy. Hepatitis B is well-covered through childhood programmes, but Hepatitis A, HPV, and Mpox require more navigation. This guide covers what's covered, what costs money, and where to go.
Mpox (Monkeypox)
Mpox vaccine availability in Croatia is limited compared to Western Europe. The HZJZ (Croatian Institute of Public Health) coordinates availability, and HUHIV / CheckPoint Zagreb is your best navigation resource.
Current situation:
- Mpox vaccination has been available through HZJZ for high-risk groups, including gay and bisexual men
- Availability fluctuates — supply has been inconsistent
- Contact CheckPoint Zagreb (huhiv.hr) to find out current status and how to access vaccination
- HZZO does not routinely reimburse Mpox vaccination; check with HZJZ for funded campaigns
What to do: Contact HUHIV first (huhiv.hr) — they track vaccine availability and can direct you to the right channel. Don't rely on a standard GP visit for this.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is not covered by HZZO for adults in Croatia beyond specific occupational groups. You'll pay privately.
- Cost: approximately €60–100 for the full two-dose course
- Available at private clinics and some travel medicine clinics
- Your GP can write a private prescription (privatni recept), or you can go directly to a travel clinic
- HZJZ occasionally runs targeted vaccination campaigns — CheckPoint Zagreb will know if one is running
Who especially needs it: If you're sexually active with multiple partners, Hepatitis A can spread sexually. Two doses gives long-term protection.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination has been part of Croatia's mandatory childhood immunisation schedule since 1999. If you went through the Croatian school system, you're likely already vaccinated.
If you're not vaccinated:
- Adults can receive Hepatitis B vaccination through their chosen medicine (izabrani liječnik, your assigned GP)
- HZZO coverage for adults is limited — check whether your GP can prescribe it under HZZO or whether it's private
- Private cost: approximately €50–90 for a three-dose course
- A combined Hep A+B vaccine (Twinrix) is available privately: approximately €80–130 for the full course
Check your status first: Ask your GP (or CheckPoint Zagreb) about a hepatitis B antibody test (anti-HBs) to confirm you're immune before paying for vaccination.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV vaccination is free for children through the school programme (offered to girls and boys at age 9–12), but adults are not covered by HZZO.
For adults:
- HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) requires a private prescription and payment
- Cost: approximately €150–200 per dose × 3 doses = €450–600 total
- Available at private clinics and some polyclinics (poliklinika)
- Two-dose schedules may apply if you start before age 15 — confirm with your doctor
Still worth it: HPV causes anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts. Gay and bisexual men have a higher risk of HPV-related anal cancer. If you can afford it, vaccination at any age provides meaningful protection.
Cheaper route: If you can travel, HPV vaccination is significantly cheaper in some neighbouring countries or available on prescription in others. Ask CheckPoint Zagreb if they're aware of any access programmes.
Getting Vaccination Advice
CheckPoint Zagreb (HUHIV) Ulica kneza Domagoja 10, Zagreb Web: huhiv.hr Best first stop for navigating what's available, what's covered, and how to access it.
Your izabrani liječnik (GP) Can prescribe all vaccines on a private basis and advise on Hepatitis B HZZO coverage. If you don't have an assigned GP, CheckPoint can help you navigate the system.
HZJZ (Croatian Institute of Public Health) Runs periodic vaccination campaigns, particularly for Mpox and Hepatitis A in risk groups. hzjz.hr for information.
Practical Summary
| Vaccine | HZZO Coverage | Private Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mpox | Limited/campaign | — | HZJZ / CheckPoint Zagreb |
| Hepatitis A | No (adults) | ~€60–100 | GP private / travel clinic |
| Hepatitis B | Partial (check with GP) | ~€50–90 | GP or private clinic |
| Hep A+B combined | No | ~€80–130 | Private clinic |
| HPV (Gardasil 9) | No (adults) | ~€450–600 total | Private clinic |