PrEP Services
What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is when people who do not have HIV, but are at risk for HIV, take a daily medicine to lower their chances of getting infected. PrEP can stop HIV from spreading throughout your body. Taking PrEP as prescribed reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex up to 90% and from drug use up to 70%. Your risk of getting HIV from sex can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods.
Who should take PrEP?
PrEP is not for everyone. Those who are at high risk of coming in contact with HIV either by sex or drug use should consider PrEP. You should consider PrEP if you:
- Sometimes have sex without a condom, especially if you have a sex partner who has HIV or might have HIV
- Have recently been told by a health care provider that you had a sexually transmitted infection (STI/STD)
- Inject non-prescription drugs or have a sexual partner who does
If your partner has HIV, PrEP may be an option to help protect you from getting HIV while you try to get pregnant, during your pregnancy, or while breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
Where can I get PrEP?
PrEP services are available at any HealthNet center. After starting PrEP you will need to come in every 3 months to ensure you are still HIV negative and to get the next 3 months of your medicine. PrEP is covered by Medicaid and most commercial insurances. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.