PrEP users show suboptimal vaccination coverage, lowest for HPV at 43%Vaccination Coverage Remains Low Among People Taking HIV PrEP

Preventive medicine Published August 3, 2026 Study authors: Pascucci Domenico, Lontano Alberto, Crovella Simone, Cosci Simone, Laurenti Patrizia PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

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Key Takeaway

Consider integrating vaccination services into PrEP care to address low coverage, especially for HPV.

This meta-analysis pooled data from 13,087 individuals receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in routine care settings to estimate vaccination coverage for HBV, Monkeypox, HAV, and HPV. The primary outcome was vaccination coverage, with self-reported vaccination status as a secondary outcome.

Across the studied vaccines, HBV vaccination coverage was highest at 73% (95% CI [59.00, 88.00]), followed by Monkeypox at 61% (95% CI [40.00, 83.00]) and HAV at 59% (95% CI [48.00, 71.00]). HPV vaccination coverage was lowest at 43% (95% CI [34.00, 52.00]). Self-reported vaccination status was 63%.

The authors highlight that vaccination coverage among individuals receiving PrEP remains relatively low across most key vaccines, representing missed opportunities for prevention. However, they caution that there was high heterogeneity across studies, and vaccination status was frequently self-reported, which may affect accuracy. Limited evidence was available on other vaccines beyond those studied.

No consistent geographical pattern emerged, and the analysis did not report on adverse events or other safety outcomes. The findings underscore the need for interventions to improve vaccine uptake in this population, but the observational nature of the included studies and the noted limitations warrant cautious interpretation.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis extends prior coverage by quantifying vaccination gaps in a PrEP population, complementing earlier findings on PrEP uptake and linkage to care. While prior items focused on improving PrEP initiation and adherence, this analysis addresses a downstream preventive need: ensuring that PrEP users also receive recommended vaccines. The low HPV coverage (43%) contrasts with the relatively higher HBV coverage (73%), suggesting that vaccine-specific barriers may exist. The finding that coverage is suboptimal across vaccines aligns with prior evidence indicating that PrEP care engagement does not automatically translate into comprehensive preventive services.

A large review of healthcare records looked at over 13,000 people who were receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV. The goal was to see how many of these individuals were also vaccinated against other common infections, such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Monkeypox, Hepatitis A (HAV), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

The results showed that vaccination rates vary significantly between different diseases. While 73 percent of the group had been vaccinated for Hepatitis B, only 43 percent had received the HPV vaccine. Coverage for Monkeypox was 61 percent, and coverage for Hepatitis A was 59 percent. Many of these figures were based on what patients reported themselves.

Because this study involved many different reports from various locations, it is difficult to say if there are specific reasons why some people miss these shots. However, the findings suggest that healthcare providers might have an opportunity to offer more vaccines during routine PrEP care. These results highlight a gap in preventive care for common infections among those seeking HIV protection.

What this means for you:

Many people on HIV prevention medication have not received all recommended vaccinations like HPV or Hepatitis B.

Common questions

What were the vaccination rates for people on PrEP?

The study found different coverage levels for various diseases. Vaccination rates were 73% for Hepatitis B, 61% for Monkeypox, and 59% for Hepatitis A. The lowest coverage was found for HPV, which was at 43%. These numbers show that many people on PrEP are not receiving all available vaccines.

How much of the data was based on what patients reported?

A significant portion of the data relied on self-reported vaccination status. In the study, 63% of the participants reported their own vaccination status. Because some information was self-reported, there may be differences between what a patient says and their official medical records.

What does this mean for people currently taking PrEP?

The findings suggest that many people on PrEP are missing out on other important preventive shots. While the study shows low coverage for vaccines like HPV, you should talk to your doctor about which vaccinations you need based on your specific health history.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedAug 2026

PMID42184839

View Original Abstract ↓

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess vaccination coverage among individuals receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from January 2011 to March 2026. Studies assessing vaccination coverage among individuals receiving PrEP within routine care were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for each vaccine, and subgroup analyses were conducted when adequate data were available. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies including 13,087 individuals were analysed. Vaccination coverage was highest for HBV (73.00%, 95% CI [59.00, 88.00]), followed by Monkeypox (61.00%, 95% CI [40.00, 83.00]) and HAV (59.00%, 95% CI [48.00, 71.00]), and lowest for HPV (43.00%, 95% CI [34.00, 52.00]). Evidence on other vaccines was limited. High heterogeneity was observed across studies, and vaccination status was frequently self-reported (63.00%). No consistent geographical pattern emerged. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage among individuals receiving PrEP remains relatively low across most key vaccines, highlighting missed opportunities for prevention. Strengthening the integration of vaccination within PrEP care pathways and enhancing proactive provider engagement are key priorities. Future efforts should focus on high-quality primary studies, standardized methodologies, evaluation of targeted interventions, and economic evidence to better inform policy decisions.

PrEP users show suboptimal vaccination coverage, lowest for HPV at 43%Vaccination Coverage Remains Low Among People Taking HIV PrEP

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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PrEP users show suboptimal vaccination coverage, lowest for HPV at 43%Vaccination Coverage Remains Low Among People Taking HIV PrEP

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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