Latvia has improved vaccine access for gay and bisexual men in recent years, particularly for HPV (now including boys in the national programme) and Mpox. Here's the current situation.
Mpox
Mpox vaccination is free for high-risk groups including gay and bisexual men.
Where: LIC (Latvijas Infektoloģijas centrs, Linezera iela 3, Riga) manages Mpox vaccination for eligible groups. Mozaika (mozaika.lv) tracks current availability and can advise on the booking process — contact them for current information before going to LIC.
Two doses (Jynneos/Imvanex) required, 4 weeks apart. Both free for eligible groups.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is not routinely covered for healthy adults through Latvia's national health system (NVD).
- Cost: approximately €50–80 per dose (2 doses for full protection)
- Available at LIC or private clinics on private prescription
- Gulbja Laboratorija can advise on private vaccination options
- Combined Hep A+B (Twinrix): approximately €60–90 per dose, 3-dose series
Hepatitis A transmits sexually. Vaccination before it's needed is significantly cheaper and easier than dealing with infection.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B has been in Latvia's mandatory childhood immunisation schedule since 1997. Adults who went through Latvian schooling are likely covered.
If you're not covered:
- Check with your ģimenes ārsts (GP) — some adult vaccination may be available under NVD
- Private cost: approximately €25–45 per dose, 3-dose series
- LIC can advise and may offer vaccination in the context of HIV risk management
HPV
HPV vaccination has been part of Latvia's national programme for girls for some years, and was extended to boys aged 12–18 in 2022. Adults are not covered by the national programme.
For adults:
- Private prescription (recepte) required
- Gardasil 9 available at private clinics and pharmacies
- Cost: approximately €140–160 per dose × 3 doses
- 2-dose schedule applies if starting before age 15
Why it matters: HPV causes anal cancer — a risk gay and bisexual men face at significantly elevated rates compared to the general population. Vaccination provides real protection regardless of age.
Cost reduction option: Mozaika may be aware of any subsidised HPV access programmes for gay and bisexual men — contact them before paying full private rate.
Summary
| Vaccine | NVD Coverage | Private Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mpox | Free (eligible groups) | — | LIC / Mozaika coordination |
| Hepatitis A | No (adults) | ~€50–80/dose | Private clinic / LIC |
| Hepatitis B | Partial (childhood) | ~€25–45/dose | GP or private |
| Hep A+B (Twinrix) | No | ~€60–90/dose | Private clinic |
| HPV (Gardasil 9) | No (adults) | ~€140–160/dose × 3 | Private clinic |