Written by: Judith | Published: 21 oktober 2026
Did you know that you can get vaccinated against certain STIs? Vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B help protect you against infections transmitted through sexual contact. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted during sex. But which STIs cannot be prevented through vaccination? We explain.
Which STIs can be prevented through vaccination?
An STI is a sexually transmitted infection. Some STIs are caused by viruses, while others are caused by bacteria. Vaccines are available against certain viral infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact.
Infection | Sexually transmitted | Vaccine available |
|---|---|---|
HPV | Yes | Yes |
Hepatitis B | Yes | Yes |
Hepatitis A | Through certain types of sexual contact | Yes |
Chlamydia | Yes | No |
Gonorrhoea | Yes | No |
Syphilis | Yes | No |
HIV | Yes | No |
Vaccinations help prevent infections and possible complications. However, they do not protect against all STIs. That is why safer sex practices and STI testing, when appropriate, remain important.
HPV vaccination: protection against certain types of cancer
HPV stands for human papillomavirus and is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The virus spreads mainly through intimate skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.
Most people will get an HPV infection at some point in their lives. In many cases, the body clears the virus naturally without causing any symptoms. Some types of HPV cause genital warts, while others increase the risk of several types of cancer, including cervical, anal and penile cancer, as well as certain cancers of the mouth and throat.
HPV vaccination protects against several types of HPV that cause these conditions.
Read more about HPV vaccination
Hepatitis B vaccination: protection against a liver infection
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus can be transmitted through sexual contact and contact with infected blood.
Some people experience few or no symptoms. Others develop symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain or jaundice. In some people, the infection becomes chronic. Over time, this can lead to serious liver damage, liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Vaccination provides effective, long-term protection against hepatitis B.
Read more about hepatitis B vaccination
Hepatitis A vaccination: when is vaccination recommended?
Hepatitis A is not typically classified as an STI, but the virus can be transmitted during sexual contact. This mainly occurs through contact with faecal matter, for example during oral-anal sex.
Hepatitis A causes inflammation of the liver. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice.
Most people recover completely, but the illness can be severe. Recovery sometimes takes several weeks or even months.
Read more about hepatitis A vaccination
Which STIs cannot be prevented through vaccination?
Vaccines are not available for all STIs. Currently, there are no approved vaccines against chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis or HIV.
However, this does not mean that you cannot protect yourself against these infections.
Using condoms reduces the risk of many STIs. Regular testing, open communication with sexual partners and timely treatment also play an important role.
For HIV, preventive medication such as PrEP is also available for people at increased risk of HIV infection.
Vaccination is therefore just one part of protecting your sexual health.
Who should consider STI vaccination?
Not everyone needs the same vaccinations. Whether vaccination against HPV, hepatitis A or hepatitis B is beneficial for you depends on several factors.
These include:
Your age.
Which vaccinations you have already received.
Your health and medical history.
Your sexual contacts and risk of exposure.
Your work, education or travel plans.
During a personal consultation, our healthcare professionals assess your individual situation. You will receive advice on which vaccinations may be appropriate for you.
Frequently asked questions about STI vaccinations
Vaccines are available against HPV and hepatitis B. Both infections can be transmitted through sexual contact. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through certain types of sexual contact, and a vaccine is available against this infection as well.
Yes. Adults who have not received the HPV vaccine through the Dutch National Immunisation Programme can still get vaccinated. Whether vaccination is beneficial depends on factors such as your age and personal circumstances.
No. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual contact, but also through contact with infected blood and from mother to child during childbirth.
No. A vaccine only protects against the infection or specific types of the virus it is designed to prevent. For example, the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV or against other STIs.
The cost depends on the vaccine and the number of doses required. Whether vaccination is covered by your health insurance also depends on your personal circumstances. Check our current prices or contact us for more information.
STI testing and vaccinations at one location
Vaccinatiecentrum.nl and Healthcare Hub are located in the same building in Wageningen. At Healthcare Hub, you can get STI testing and advice on sexual health. For vaccinations against HPV, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, you can visit vaccinatiecentrum.nl.
This means you can access different forms of STI prevention at one location.
Personal advice on STI vaccinations
Would you like to know whether vaccination against HPV, hepatitis A or hepatitis B is recommended for you? At vaccinatiecentrum.nl, we take your personal circumstances and vaccination history into account.
Our healthcare professionals discuss which vaccinations are appropriate for you and answer any questions you may have.