Hepatitis, HPV, and Mpox: Vaccines That Can Protect Your Sexual Health

When we talk about safer sex, people often think about condoms, testing, PrEP, PEP, and communication. All important. All blessed. All welcome at the altar.

But there is another powerful tool in the sexual health toolkit: vaccines.

Some infections connected to sexual activity can be prevented, or made less likely, through vaccination. That includes HPV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and mpox for people who are eligible.

Vaccines are not about shame. They are about protection before exposure. A little prevention now can spare you a great deal of drama later.

HPV Vaccine

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is very common, and some types of HPV can cause genital warts or certain cancers, including cervical, anal, throat, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

CDC guidance says HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at ages 11 or 12, can begin at age 9, and is recommended through age 26 for people who were not previously vaccinated. For some adults ages 27 through 45 who are not adequately vaccinated, HPV vaccination may be considered through shared decision-making with a healthcare provider.

Translation from the Sisters’ pulpit: if you are not sure whether you got the HPV vaccine, ask. No shame, no scandal, just a chart check.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccines

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B can both be connected to sexual exposure, though they can also spread in other ways.

CDC describes pre-exposure vaccination as one of the most effective methods for preventing transmission of HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B, all of which can be sexually transmitted.

If you are sexually active and do not know your hepatitis A or B vaccine status, it is worth asking a healthcare provider.

Questions to ask:

• Have I had the hepatitis A vaccine?
• Have I had the hepatitis B vaccine?
• Should I be tested for hepatitis B or C?
• Does my sexual health history change what vaccines I should consider?
• Can you check my vaccine records?

Hepatitis C

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but testing and treatment exist.

Some people may benefit from hepatitis C testing depending on their health history, sexual practices, HIV status, injection drug use history, or other risk factors. A provider or clinic can help you decide what testing is appropriate.

Mpox Vaccine

Mpox can spread through close physical contact, including intimate or sexual contact. The mpox vaccine is not a routine vaccine for everyone, but it may be recommended for people with certain risk factors or possible exposures.

The CDC states that routine immunization against mpox is not recommended for the general public.

You may want to ask about mpox vaccination if you have been exposed to mpox, have been told you may be at higher risk, are part of a sexual network where mpox is spreading, or have multiple or anonymous partners in settings where risk may be higher.

Because guidance can change with outbreaks, travel, and local public health recommendations, check with a healthcare provider or local health department.

Orlando Sacred Spaces and Local Sexual Health Resources

If you are in Central Florida, the Orlando Sisters’ Sacred Spaces may be able to help with sexual health testing, prevention counseling, PrEP/PEP, hepatitis services, vaccine referrals, or related care.

26Health lists HIV, Hep C, and STI/STD screening and treatment, PrEP and PEP services, and affordable options for uninsured clients.

Hope & Help offers HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C testing, treatment, prevention, clinical services, and support.

The Center Orlando offers walk-in HIV, Hep C, and STI testing, plus outreach services that include mobile testing, HIV advocacy, condoms, and safer sex supplies.

OIC offers sexual health and infectious disease care, including HIV, hepatitis, STD/STI care, PrEP, PEP, DoxyPEP, prevention services, and clinical research.

Not every organization provides every vaccine on site. Before visiting, check directly with the provider about vaccine availability, eligibility, cost, insurance, and appointment requirements.

A Sisterly Blessing

Vaccines are not glamorous in the traditional sense, but neither is preventable liver disease, darling.

Protect your body. Check your records. Ask questions. Get the shots that make sense for you. Then go forth with a little more confidence and a little less chaos.

Prevention is community care. And community care is always in fashion.