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 New Zealand-specific situation: what's funded, where to get it, and any age eligibility rules.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

  • Eligibility: Free under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) for people up to age 26 (both males and females — check the current NIP schedule as eligibility is periodically updated).
  • Cost: Free within eligibility. Private vaccination available outside eligibility at approximately $200–250+ for the course.
  • Vaccine: Gardasil 9 (9-valent) — protects against 9 HPV types responsible for genital warts, anal cancer, penile cancer, throat cancer, and other HPV-related cancers.
  • Schedule: 2 doses (0 and 6–12 months) if starting under 15; 3 doses (0, 2, 6 months) if starting at 15 or older.
  • Where to get it: Your GP (funded within eligibility), or a public sexual health clinic.
  • If you're over 26: HPV vaccination outside eligibility is available privately. The cancer protection benefit remains real at older ages; discuss with your doctor.
  • Action: If you haven't had the HPV vaccine, ask at your next GP or sexual health clinic visit: "Am I eligible for the funded HPV vaccine?"

Mpox (Monkeypox)

  • Eligibility: Offered to gay and bisexual men at sexual health clinics and via Te Whatu Ora programs.
  • Cost: Free when accessed through publicly-funded programs at sexual health services.
  • Vaccine: Jynneos (Modified Vaccinia Ankara — MVA-BN). Two doses, 28 days apart.
  • Access: Contact your nearest public sexual health clinic to ask about current availability. Auckland Sexual Health Service and the Burnett Foundation have been key access points. Availability can shift depending on supply and current outbreak status — ask explicitly rather than assuming it's not available.

Hepatitis A & B

  • Eligibility: Free for gay and bisexual men through public sexual health clinics and some GP programs.
  • Cost: Free at sexual health clinics; GP-administered vaccines may have a consultation fee.
  • Vaccines:
    • Hepatitis A: Havrix or Vaqta — 2 doses at 0 and 6–12 months.
    • Hepatitis B: Engerix-B — 3 doses (0, 1, 6 months).
    • Combined: Twinrix — 3 doses (0, 1, 6 months).
  • Why it matters: Hepatitis A is readily transmitted through oro-anal contact. Hepatitis B causes chronic liver disease and is entirely preventable. Both are vaccine-preventable infections common in gay men globally.
  • Before vaccinating: A blood test can confirm immunity from prior exposure or vaccination. Worth checking before starting a course.

Where to Get Vaccines in New Zealand

Public sexual health clinic — always the first choice for HPV (within eligibility), Mpox, and Hep A/B. Free, bulk-funded, and you can often combine vaccination with your regular STI screen.

GP — can administer NIP-scheduled HPV and Hep B. Consultation fees apply unless you're eligible for reduced-cost visits. Call ahead to confirm vaccine availability.

Burnett Foundation Aotearoa (Auckland): Can advise on vaccine eligibility and provide referral to vaccination services.

Practical Tips

  • Combine with your regular test: You're already at the clinic — ask about your vaccine status at the same visit.
  • Check your records: Ask your GP or sexual health clinic for your vaccination history. New Zealand's National Immunisation Register (NIR) tracks vaccines given through the NIP.
  • Don't assume you've had everything: Many men have incomplete HPV courses, no Hep A protection, or have never been offered Mpox vaccine. A quick check at your next visit can close these gaps efficiently.

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