Prevention hub

Vaccines can help protect against some infections. There are some vaccines that may be suitable for you, if you are:

• are a man who has sex with men
• gay or bisexual
• change your sexual partner frequently
• are a sex worker
• inject drugs

You can check your eligibility for vaccines including hepatitis B, hepatitis B and mpox with your local sexual health clinic or GP.

HPV vaccine

• The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that is spread through skin contact (including when having sex) and which may cause genital warts.
• HPV vaccine is now usually given in school settings as part of the childhood vaccination schedule. Depending on your age and where you lived as a teenager, you might have already had this. You may be able to check your NHS app to find out.

MenB vaccine (Bexsero)

• The MenB vaccine helps protect against gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through unprotected sex. It’s recommended for those at a higher risk of infection, including:
• men who have sex with men
• gay and bisexual men

Other vaccinations options include:

• Hepatitis A – A virus that affects the liver and spreads through infected poo. Offered to men who have sex with men.
• Hepatitis B – A blood-borne virus. Offered to people at risk, including:
  • men who have sex with men
  • sex workers
  • people who inject drugs
  • people living with HIV
• Mpox vaccine – Mpox is rare in the UK, but some groups (such as gay, bisexual, transgender people and men who have sex with men) may be eligible for vaccination.

Check out our vaccination page for more information on vaccinations and eligibility.

You can find your nearest GP or sexual health clinic using our find a service tool.

PrEP is a medication you can take before sex to prevent HIV.

It’s nearly 99% effective when taken properly.

Contraception (also called birth control or family planning) means using methods to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of options — some use hormones, some don’t.

All are designed to help prevent unwanted pregnancies.

The important thing is finding a method that works for you and your lifestyle.

Contraception is free from the NHS, and knowing your choices helps you make the best decision for you.

Check out our contraception pages for more information.

Doxy-PEP is a pill taken after sex to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and syphilis.

It’s mainly for people risk of infection, including:

• gay or bisexual men
• men who have sex with men

Doxy-PEP is an antibiotic:

• You need to take it 24 hours after having sex (and no later than 72 hours)
• It can lower your chances of getting some infections.

Doxy-PEP is now available through:

• some sexual health clinics.
• You can also check if you are eligible at your local clinic

For details and buying options, check out: Queer Health’s Doxy-PEP guide

Test, protect, repeat.

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have no symptoms, but some can cause long-term health complications if left untreated.

Regular testing prevents the spread of infections and protects your long-term health.

Testing is quick and easy and you’ll usually get your results in just a few days

You can access STI testing from:

• sexual health clinics
• some GPs
• pharmacies
• online at-home testing kits
• via your Personal Health Record (PHR)

If you live in Plymouth, you can get testing through Sexual Health in Plymouth (SHiP)