For the full clinical picture — what each vaccine does, the evidence behind it, and the complete schedule — see The Vaccine Checklist first. This guide covers the Australian-specific situation: what's free, where to get it, and any age eligibility rules.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

  • Eligibility: Free on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for gay and bisexual men up to age 26 (as of current program rules — check the current NIP schedule as eligibility ages are periodically reviewed).
  • Cost: Free within eligibility; private vaccination is available outside age eligibility at approximately $200–250 for the course.
  • Vaccine: Gardasil 9 (9-valent) — protects against 9 HPV types including those responsible for genital warts, anal cancer, penile cancer, throat cancer, and other HPV-associated cancers.
  • Schedule: 2 doses (0 and 6–12 months) if starting under age 15; 3 doses (0, 2, 6 months) if starting at age 15 or older.
  • Where to get it: Your GP (via NIP — bulk billed within eligibility), or a sexual health centre.
  • Action: If you haven't had the HPV vaccine, ask at your next GP or sexual health centre visit: "Am I eligible for the free HPV vaccine?"

Note on NIP eligibility: The Australian school-based HPV program vaccinates students in Year 7. If you missed this or were vaccinated before Gardasil 9 became the standard, ask about completing or updating your course.

Mpox (Monkeypox)

  • Eligibility: Offered to gay and bisexual men at sexual health centres and through community health providers.
  • Cost: Free at sexual health centres (program-funded).
  • Vaccine: Jynneos (Modified Vaccinia Ankara — MVA-BN). Two doses, 28 days apart for primary immunisation.
  • Access: Most sexual health centres stock it; some require booking a specific vaccination appointment. ACON and Thorne Harbour Health have also run community vaccination programs.
  • Note: Availability and active program status can shift depending on current outbreak levels and supply. Ask explicitly at your clinic — do not assume it is unavailable if you haven't been offered it recently.

Hepatitis A & B

  • Eligibility: Free for gay and bisexual men through sexual health centres and some GP programs.
  • Cost: Free at sexual health centres (public health program). Private GPs may charge a gap.
  • Vaccines:
    • Hepatitis A: Havrix or Vaqta — single antigen vaccine; 2 doses at 0 and 6–12 months.
    • Hepatitis B: Engerix-B or HEPLISAV-B — 3 doses (0, 1, 6 months) standard, or HEPLISAV-B 2-dose accelerated schedule.
    • Combined: Twinrix (Hep A + B combined) — 3 doses (0, 1, 6 months).
  • Why it matters: Hepatitis A is readily transmitted sexually, particularly through oro-anal contact — common in gay men. Hepatitis B can cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Both are entirely preventable.
  • Before vaccinating: A simple blood test can check if you already have immunity from prior infection or previous vaccination. Worth doing before starting a course.
  • Where to get it: Sexual health centre (bulk billed, preferred); GP (may have gap costs).

Meningococcal Vaccines

Not routinely offered at sexual health centres for most gay men. If you have HIV, some meningococcal vaccines are recommended — discuss with your HIV specialist. For men without HIV, this is generally not a routine sexual health vaccine. See the general checklist for clinical detail.

Where to Get Vaccines in Australia

Sexual health centre — always your first choice for HPV, Mpox, and Hep A/B. They administer these as part of standard sexual health visits, they're bulk billed, and you can often combine a test and vaccination in a single appointment.

GP — can administer NIP-scheduled vaccines (HPV within eligibility, Hep B). May charge gap fees for some vaccines. Some GPs are not stocked for Mpox or Hep A — call ahead.

ACON / community health organisations — run periodic vaccination programs, particularly for Mpox during periods of outbreak activity. Check acon.org.au for current programs.

Practical Tips

  • Combine with your regular STI test: You're already at the clinic — ask about your vaccine status at the same visit.
  • Keep a record: Ask for a printed vaccination record or check your Medicare IHI (Individual Healthcare Identifier) records through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) via your MyGov/Medicare account.
  • Don't assume you've had everything: Many gay men have incomplete courses or have never been offered specific vaccines. A five-minute conversation at your next clinic visit can close that gap.

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