New York state law and public health funding ensure high accessibility for sexual health vaccines. Gay and bisexual men are specifically prioritized for Mpox, Hepatitis A/B, and HPV vaccinations across the state.
🏥 Where to Get Vaccinated
- NYC DOHMH Clinics: The most reliable place for uninsured or underinsured residents in New York City. They stock Mpox, Hep A/B, and HPV vaccines, and administer them for free or on a sliding scale.
- LGBTQ+ Health Centers: Callen-Lorde, Apicha, Evergreen Health, and Trillium Health maintain strong stocks of all relevant vaccines.
- Pharmacies: New York allows pharmacists to administer many adult vaccines (including Hep A/B and HPV). However, finding the Mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) at retail pharmacies like CVS or Duane Reade is less reliable than going to a dedicated sexual health clinic.
💉 The Key Vaccines
Mpox (JYNNEOS)
- Availability: Widely available at all public sexual health clinics and LGBTQ+ health centers.
- Cost: The vaccine itself is provided for free by the federal government, but some private clinics may charge an administration fee if you are uninsured. Public DOHMH clinics will not charge you.
- Protocol: Requires two doses, spaced four weeks apart.
Hepatitis A & B
- Recommendation: All gay and bisexual men should be vaccinated against Hep A and B.
- Cost: Fully covered by NYS Medicaid, the Essential Plan, and all ACA-compliant private insurance plans. Uninsured individuals can access it through DOHMH clinics.
HPV (Gardasil 9)
- Eligibility: The HPV vaccine protects against genital warts and anal cancer. It is FDA-approved for adults up to age 45.
- Cost: Fully covered by insurance for those up to age 45 under ACA rules. Without insurance, the three-dose series is very expensive (over $750 total). If you are uninsured, prioritize getting this through a DOHMH clinic or by applying to the manufacturer's patient assistance program (Merck).
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