STD Prevention Shots, Vaccines and Pills

STD prevention shots, vaccines, and pills give you real options for reducing your exposure to certain infections before or after sexual contact. Not every STD has a vaccine, but for those that do, the protection is genuine and long-lasting. This page walks through what’s currently available — from the HPV vaccine to newer options like doxy-PEP — so you have a clear picture of how these tools work and who they’re typically offered to. Understanding how STDs spread can also help frame why some infections respond well to vaccines while others don’t yet have one.

What Shots Can You Get to Prevent STDs?

Several vaccines are available that protect against sexually transmitted infections. They work by preparing your immune system before exposure, so if you encounter the infection later, your body already knows how to respond. The protection from these vaccines can last many years — in some cases, likely for life based on current data.

Here’s an overview of the vaccines currently available for STD prevention:

The HPV Vaccine: Gardasil 9

Gardasil 9 is the HPV vaccine currently in use. It protects against nine strains of human papillomavirus — including the ones most associated with genital warts and certain cancers of the cervix, anus, and throat. It’s one of the most studied vaccines available, with over a decade of real-world effectiveness data behind it.

Do all girls get the HPV vaccine?

Gardasil 9 is recommended for all adolescents — not just girls. Boys and girls are typically offered the vaccine around ages 11 to 12, though it’s available for anyone up to age 45. Getting vaccinated earlier in life, before any potential HPV exposure, tends to produce the strongest immune response. That said, adults who haven’t been vaccinated can still receive it and benefit from the protection it offers.

When two doses are given before age 15, that’s usually enough. Anyone starting the series at 15 or older typically receives three doses spread over six months.

Do 90% of men have HPV?

HPV is extremely common. Research estimates that more than 90% of sexually active men and around 80% of sexually active women will encounter HPV at some point. Most infections clear on their own without any symptoms or lasting effects. The vaccine doesn’t treat an existing infection, but it does protect against the specific strains it covers — which is meaningful given how widely the virus circulates.

How long does the HPV vaccine last?

Studies tracking people who received Gardasil show strong protection lasting at least 10 to 12 years, with no significant drop in effectiveness over that time. Researchers believe the protection likely extends much longer, though long-term data is still being collected. No booster shot is currently recommended after completing the initial series.

Hepatitis A and B Vaccines

Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B can be transmitted sexually. Vaccines exist for both, and they’re widely available through pharmacies, clinics, and doctors’ offices — including places like Walgreens, which offers both as walk-in services in many locations.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants and children as part of standard vaccination schedules. For adults, it’s particularly relevant for anyone with multiple sexual partners or who hasn’t been vaccinated before. The Hepatitis A vaccine is commonly offered to men who have sex with men, people who use injectable drugs, and anyone planning travel to regions where the virus is more common.

Both vaccines are considered to provide long-lasting, likely lifelong protection after the full series is completed.

The Mpox Vaccine

The JYNNEOS vaccine offers protection against mpox, which can be transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. It’s a two-dose vaccine, with the second dose given 28 days after the first. Full protection develops about two weeks after the second dose.

Mpox vaccination has been offered widely at sexual health clinics and through public health programs, and availability has grown significantly since 2022. If you’re not sure where to access it, a sexual health clinic or local pharmacy is usually a good starting point.

STD Prevention Pills: PrEP and Doxy-PEP

Beyond vaccines, there are also medications that can lower the likelihood of acquiring certain infections. These aren’t vaccines — they work differently — but they’re part of the broader picture of STD prevention options available today.

PrEP for HIV

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill that reduces the likelihood of HIV transmission significantly when taken consistently. It’s typically prescribed to people who don’t have HIV but want ongoing protection. PrEP doesn’t protect against other STDs, so pairing it with regular testing and condom use is a common approach. You can learn more about do condoms prevent STDs and how they fit alongside other prevention methods.

Doxy-PEP: The Newer Option

Doxy-PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a different approach — it’s taken after potential exposure rather than before. A single dose of doxycycline, taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual contact, has shown effectiveness in reducing acquisition of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in clinical trials.

It’s not a vaccine and isn’t taken daily. Think of it more like a safety net used on an as-needed basis after a specific encounter. Doxy-PEP prescriptions are becoming more widely available through sexual health providers and telehealth platforms, though it’s not yet universally offered everywhere.

Doxy-PEP vs PrEP: What’s the Difference?

PrEP is taken daily and targets HIV specifically. Doxy-PEP is taken after exposure and targets bacterial STDs — chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. They address different infections through different timing and mechanisms. Some people use both, depending on their circumstances and what they’ve discussed with a provider.

What STD Is Treatable With a Shot?

This is a slightly different question from prevention. Gonorrhea is commonly treated with a single intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone — that’s the shot in the buttocks you may have heard about. It’s a treatment, not a preventive vaccine. Syphilis is also treated with a penicillin injection, depending on the stage of infection.

Chlamydia is typically treated with a course of oral antibiotics rather than a shot, though the exact antibiotic depends on the individual situation.

Which STDs Don’t Have a Vaccine Yet?

There are no vaccines currently available for herpes (HSV), HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. Research is ongoing — there are herpes and HIV vaccine candidates in early-phase clinical trials — but none have reached general approval yet. For these infections, getting tested regularly remains one of the clearest ways to stay informed about your status.

This is also why knowing how each infection is transmitted matters. Vaccines cover a meaningful portion of the STD landscape, but not all of it.

Where to Get STD Vaccines

Most STD vaccines are available through several channels. Here’s where people typically access them:

• Pharmacies — Walgreens, CVS, and many independent pharmacies carry HPV, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and sometimes Mpox vaccines.
• Primary care or family medicine offices — Any general practitioner can administer these vaccines.
• Sexual health clinics — These often carry the full range of STD-related vaccines and can advise on what makes sense for your situation.
• Community health centers — Often offer vaccines on a sliding scale based on income.

Cost varies. Gardasil 9 without insurance can run $200 to $300 per dose, but most insurance plans cover it for eligible age groups. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are similarly covered under most plans. If cost is a barrier, community health centers and some local health programs offer vaccines at reduced or no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shots can you get to prevent STDs?

The main vaccines available for STD prevention are Gardasil 9 (HPV), the Hepatitis B vaccine, the Hepatitis A vaccine, and the JYNNEOS vaccine for mpox. Each targets a specific infection and is given as a series of two or three doses. These vaccines have strong effectiveness records and provide long-lasting protection.

How long do STD shots last?

It depends on the vaccine. Gardasil 9 has demonstrated protection lasting at least 10 to 12 years, with ongoing research suggesting it may last longer. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are generally considered to offer lifelong protection after the full series. Mpox vaccine duration is still being studied, but current data supports meaningful protection after both doses.

What STD is curable with a shot?

Gonorrhea is typically treated with a single injection of ceftriaxone, an antibiotic given intramuscularly. Syphilis is also treated with a penicillin injection in most cases. These are treatments for existing infections, not preventive vaccines — the distinction is worth keeping in mind.

Which STDs have no cure?

Herpes (HSV), HIV, HPV, and Hepatitis B are infections that currently have no cure, though they can all be managed with medication or, in some cases, cleared by the immune system over time. HIV can be suppressed to undetectable levels with antiretroviral therapy. HPV often clears on its own. The Hepatitis B vaccine prevents infection in the first place, which is why vaccination is offered broadly.

What is doxy-PEP and how does it work?

Doxy-PEP is a single dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual contact. Clinical trials have shown it can meaningfully reduce acquisition of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis when taken in that window. It’s not a vaccine and isn’t taken daily — it’s an after-the-fact option that some providers now prescribe for eligible individuals.

Is the HPV vaccine only for women?

No. Gardasil 9 is recommended for all genders. HPV circulates widely among both men and women, and the vaccine protects against the strains most associated with genital warts and certain cancers regardless of gender. It’s typically offered to adolescents around ages 11 to 12 but is available for adults up to age 45.

Do vaccines replace the need for STD testing?

No — vaccines protect against specific infections, but they don’t cover the full range of STDs. Regular testing remains a straightforward way to know your status for infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, none of which currently have a preventive vaccine. Vaccines and testing work alongside each other rather than one replacing the other.

Where can I get STD vaccines if I don’t have insurance?

Community health centers, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and some local sexual health clinics offer vaccines on a sliding scale or at no cost. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program covers HPV and hepatitis vaccines for eligible children and teens. For adults without coverage, it’s worth calling local clinics directly to ask about reduced-cost options.

Knowing your options — whether that’s a vaccine, a prescription, or regular testing — puts you in a clearer, calmer position. The tools available today are more varied than many people realize, and accessing them is generally more straightforward than it might seem.