What STDs Have Vaccines?

Written on August 21, 2023 by Lori Mulligan, MPH. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• HPV
• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
• Hepatitis A Virus
• Future Directions
• How Can Everlywell Help?
• Related Content

Vaccination is an important prevention tool against sexually transmitted infections. You may wonder what STDs have vaccines. Currently, vaccines are available to protect against infection with Human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.

HPV

HPV Vaccination Is Preventing Cancer-causing Infections And Precancers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV infections and cervical precancers have dropped since 2006, when HPV vaccines were first used in the U.S.

HPV Vaccination Is Very Safe

Each HPV vaccine went through strict safety testing before the Food and Drug Administration licensed them. Over 15 years of monitoring and research have continued to show that HPV vaccination is safe.

Each vaccine was found to be safe and effective in clinical trials. Since late 2016, Gardasil® 9 has been the only HPV vaccine available for use in the United States.

More than 135 million doses of HPV vaccines have been distributed since they were licensed.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects from HPV shots are mild and get better within a day or two. These include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given
• Fever
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea
• Headache or feeling tired
• Muscle or joint pain

Tell the doctor or nurse if your child has any severe allergies, like an allergy to latex or yeast.[1]

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Some people with hepatitis B are sick for only a few weeks, but for others, the disease progresses to a serious, lifelong illness known as chronic hepatitis B.

Can The Hepatitis B Virus Be Spread Through sex?

Yes. The hepatitis B virus can be found in the blood, semen, and other body fluids of an infected person. A person who has sex with an infected partner can become infected with the virus.

Can Hepatitis B Be Prevented?

Yes. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. You need to get all shots in the series to be fully protected.

Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Hepatitis B?

• All infants
• All children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated
• Adults aged 19 through 59 years
• Adults aged 60 years and older with risk factors for hepatitis B

Is The Hepatitis B Vaccine Safe?

Yes. There are very small risks that a serious problem could occur, but soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect.

Can I Get Hepatitis B From Being Vaccinated?

No. The hepatitis B vaccine does not contain any live virus.[2]

Hepatitis A Virus

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. Hepatitis A is very contagious. It spreads when someone unknowingly ingests the virus through close personal contact with an infected person or through eating contaminated food or drink. Symptoms of hepatitis A can last up to 2 months and include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.

How Can I Protect Myself Against Hepatitis A?

To get the full benefit of the hepatitis A vaccine, more than one shot is needed. The number and timing of these shots depend on the type of vaccine you are given. Practicing good hand hygiene plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.

Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Hepatitis A?

The following people should be vaccinated against hepatitis A:

• Children
• All children aged 12–23 months
• All children and adolescents 2–18 years of age who have not previously received hepatitis A vaccine (known as “catch up” vaccination)
• People at increased risk for hepatitis A
• Other people recommended for vaccination
• Pregnant women at risk for hepatitis A or for severe outcome from hepatitis A infection

How Is The Hepatitis A Vaccine Given?

There are two types of hepatitis A vaccine. The first type, the single-dose hepatitis A vaccine, is given as two shots, six months apart, and both shots are needed for long-term protection against hepatitis A. The other type is a combination vaccine that protects people against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The combination vaccine can be given to anyone 18 years of age and older and is given as three shots over six months. All three shots are needed for long-term protection for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Is The Hepatitis A Vaccine Effective?

Yes, both types of hepatitis A vaccines are highly effective in preventing hepatitis A virus infection. Receiving the entire vaccine series (all of the required shots) results in long-term protection.

Is The Hepatitis A Vaccine Safe?

Yes. No serious side effects have been reported. Soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect reported. As with any medicine, there is always a small risk that a serious problem could occur after someone gets the vaccine.

Will The Hepatitis A Vaccine Protect Me From Other Forms Of Hepatitis?

No. There is a separate vaccine available for hepatitis B. There is also a combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine that offers protection for both viruses.

Can Hepatitis A Vaccine Be Given To People With Compromised Immune Systems, Such As Hemodialysis Patients or People With HIV/AIDS?

Yes.[3]

Future Directions

Research to develop vaccines against herpes and HIV is advanced, with several vaccine candidates in early clinical development. There is evidence suggesting that the vaccine to prevent meningitis provides some cross-protection against gonorrhea. More research into vaccines for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis is needed.[2]

How Can Everlywell Help?

Here are a few ways that Everlywell can help.

Virtual Visits

While Everlywell does not offer vaccines, it does offer Everlywell STI consultsbin two hours or less. Your virtual care visit will include a discreet video call with a licensed board-certified nurse practitioner.

STI kits: getting tested is invaluable

Some STIs have no noticeable symptoms. The best way to know if you have an STI is to get tested regularly. STI kits are available for men and women.

Related Content

Is Molluscum Contagiosum An STD?

What Is Acyclovir?

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Can You Have These STDs At The Same Time?

References

1. HPV vaccine. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine-for-hpv.html. Accessed on August 17, 2023.
2. Viral hepatitis. What is Hepatitis B: FAQs. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm#bFAQd01 . Accessed on August 17, 2023.
3. Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis A. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/index.htm. Last reviewed on June 22, 2020. Accessed on August 17, 2023.
4. Sexually Transmitted Infections. World Health Organization. July 10, 2023.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis). Accessed on August 14, 2023.