Vaccines are a critical part of sexual health defense. In Cyprus, access to vaccines generally falls under the GeSY system, meaning you will likely need a Personal Doctor's prescription to get them subsidized, though some specialized campaigns operate through public hospitals.
🦠 Mpox (Monkeypox)
Mpox vaccination campaigns in Cyprus are managed by the Ministry of Health and administered through specific public hospital vaccination centers.
- Eligibility: Vaccination is typically offered to high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM) who have multiple partners, sex workers, and healthcare workers.
- Access Route: The rollout strategy has varied. During peak outbreaks, you could book directly at adult vaccination centers in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos General Hospitals. It is highly recommended to call your local General Hospital or contact the Cyprus PrEP Point / AIDS Solidarity Movement for the most current booking protocol.
- Cost: Free of charge when accessed through the Ministry of Health's targeted campaign.
🧬 HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
The HPV vaccine protects against strains of the virus that cause genital warts and anal cancer.
- Access Route: You must speak to your GeSY Personal Doctor or a urologist/dermatologist to get a prescription.
- Cost & Coverage: In Cyprus, the HPV vaccine is included in the national immunization schedule for adolescents (boys and girls) free of charge. However, if you are an adult male outside the catch-up window, GeSY may not cover the cost of the vaccine. You can still ask your doctor for a private prescription, but you will have to pay out-of-pocket at a pharmacy (which can cost over €150 per dose, and a full course is three doses).
🩸 Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis A and B are easily transmissible through sexual contact, particularly in the gay community.
- Access Route: Speak to your GeSY Personal Doctor. They will first order a blood test (referral to a lab) to check if you already have antibodies from previous exposure or childhood vaccinations. If you are not immune, the doctor will write a prescription for the vaccines.
- Administration: You take the prescription to a pharmacy, buy the vaccine vials, and then return to your Personal Doctor (or a clinic nurse) to have the injection administered.
- Cost: The cost of the vaccine at the pharmacy depends on whether the doctor was able to justify it under GeSY coverage for your specific risk profile. If covered, it is very cheap; if not, you pay the retail pharmacy price.
This page explains how to get vaccinated in Cyprus. To understand how these viruses are transmitted, what symptoms to look for, and the dosing schedules for the vaccines, read the General Guide to Vaccines.
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