PrEP
What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is a pill taken before sex, meaning it is pre-exposure. Prophylaxis means to prevent infection. So you can use PrEP to greatly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV infection.
If you are 16 and older and live in England, you are eligible to access PrEP if:
- You are a man who has anal sex with other men without condoms
- You are a trans man or trans woman and you have anal sex or front sex without condoms
- Your regular partner is living with HIV which is not fully controlled on treatment
- You have sexual partners who are at higher risk of HIV (for example, from a country where the number of people living with HIV is high)
- You inject drugs and do not have access to clean needles
It is important that you book an appointment in plenty of time to ensure that PrEP is effective before you have unprotected sex. Please contact 0333 300 2100 to book an appointment at SHSWL based at Falcon Road.
PEP
What is PEP?
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis, which is medication taken to prevent HIV transmission after having had unprotected sex. It is started as soon as possible after sex, and no more than 72 hours later.
It is important that you book an appointment as soon as possible as PEP needs to be started within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Please contact 0333 300 2100 to book an appointment at SHSWL based at Falcon Road.
If you have already started PEP and need further medication, please also call 0333 300 2100 to book an appointment at SHSWL based at Falcon Road.
Please note that PrEP and PEP are different. PrEP is preventive and PEP is meant to be taken after having unprotected sex to prevent HIV transmission.
