The Netherlands provides good vaccine access for gay and bisexual men at the GGD — particularly for Mpox and Hepatitis B. HPV is where things get complicated and expensive for adults.
Mpox
Mpox vaccination is free for high-risk groups including gay and bisexual men via the GGD.
How to access: Contact your city's GGD directly — Mpox vaccination is typically handled separately from the Soa Poli. The GGD will assess eligibility. In Amsterdam, check ggdamsterdam.nl for current booking information.
Two doses (Jynneos/Imvanex) required, 4 weeks apart. Both free for eligible groups.
Note on availability: Supply and availability vary. During periods of high demand (like the 2022 Mpox outbreak), waiting lists developed. Check current status directly with the GGD.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is free for gay and bisexual men via the GGD. This is one of the clearest examples of the Dutch system working well for this community.
How to access: During your GGD Soa Poli visit, ask: "Heb ik de Hepatitis B vaccinatie nodig?" (Do I need the Hepatitis B vaccination?) The GGD will check your status and vaccinate if you're not already immune. Three doses over 6 months for the full series.
If you've already been vaccinated (e.g., as a child or through a previous healthcare provider), an anti-HBs blood test confirms immunity.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is not routinely provided free for gay and bisexual men through the Dutch public system (unlike Hepatitis B).
- Cost: approximately €45–65 per dose (2 doses for full protection)
- Available from your huisarts (GP) on private prescription or at private travel clinics
- Some GGDs may offer it during specific campaigns — check
Hepatitis A transmits sexually. If you're sexually active with multiple partners and haven't been vaccinated, it's worth the cost.
HPV
HPV vaccination has had a complex trajectory in the Netherlands:
- Free for children as part of the national programme (boys and girls, around age 10)
- A catch-up campaign for 18–26-year-olds ran in 2022–2023 but has ended
Current situation for adults: If you missed the catch-up campaign, you pay privately.
- Cost: approximately €170–185 per dose × 3 doses (sometimes 2 doses depending on age at start)
- Available via your huisarts on private prescription
- Some GGDs may have leftover campaign doses — it's worth asking, but don't count on it
The cost is significant (~€500–550 total), which is why the end of the catch-up campaign is a real loss for gay and bisexual men who missed it.
Soa Aids Nederland (soaaids.nl) and Man tot Man (manman.nl) may have current information on any available subsidised HPV access for gay and bisexual men — check before paying full private price.
Summary
| Vaccine | Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Mpox | Free (eligible groups) | GGD |
| Hepatitis B | Free (gay and bisexual men) | GGD |
| Hepatitis A | ~€45–65/dose | Private / huisarts |
| HPV (Gardasil 9) | ~€170–185/dose × 3 | Huisarts (private prescription) |