Are you HIV-negative but at high risk for being exposed to HIV? If so, you should talk to a health care provider about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily pill that can prevent HIV infection. If you take PrEP every day, it greatly reduces your risk of acquiring HIV. PrEP can protect you if you are:
- in an ongoing relationship with an HIV-positive partner
- not in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who recently tested HIV-negative
- an injection drug user
- engage in sex without condoms
Interested in starting PrEP?
You can also make an appointment to see a clinician who prescribes PrEP in our Sexual Health Clinics by calling 914-995-5800. Be sure to ask these questions at your first visit:
- Am I a good candidate for PrEP?
- What other options can I use to lower my risk of getting HIV infection?
- How effective would PrEP be at reducing my risk of HIV infection?
- Are there any side effects?
- Can you prescribe PrEP for me here?
- Is there assistance to help me pay for PrEP?
- Are you willing to prescribe and manage PrEP for me?
- How often will I have to be tested for HIV and other STDs?
- Can PrEP help me get pregnant safely if my partner has HIV?
- Can I take PrEP if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
You can also use these brochures (English, Español) to help you plan for your appointment.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency medication that you begin taking right after you are exposed to HIV. You continue taking PEP for 28 days. PEP can protect you:
- after you have unprotected sex with someone of an unknown or anonymous HIV status
- if you were exposed to HIV while injecting drugs
If you are HIV-negative and think you were exposed to HIV, go immediately to a clinic or emergency room and ask for PEP. You can also make an appointment to see a clinician who prescribes PEP in our Sexual Health Clinics by calling 914-995-5800.
Increasing access to PrEP for high-risk individuals is a priority under the New York States Ending the AIDS Epidemic initiative. The Westchester County Department of Health serves on the Ending the AIDS Epidemic Steering Committee, whose goal is to reduce the number of new HIV infections in New York State to just 750, from an estimated 3,000, by the end of 2020 and achieve the first ever decrease in HIV prevelance in the state.
Want to Know More about PrEP & PEP?