PrEP for HIV Prevention
Be PrEPared in Guilford
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. The word “prophylaxis” means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease. This is a medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use and is only used if you are currently HIV negative.
If taken as prescribed, it is 99% effective at reducing the risk of HIV. It can be given in the form of a daily pill or as a shot every two months. It is important to remember that PrEP does not protect you against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and does not prevent pregnancy.
PrEP is taken before exposure to HIV, such as sex, injection drug use, or other forms of exposure. PrEP is much more effective at preventing HIV when taken consistently as prescribed.
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis and is only to be taken after possible exposure to HIV. It is only for emergency situations such as unprotected sex, sexual assault, accidental needlestick or injury at work, and sharing injection drug use equipment. It must be taken as soon as possible or within 72 hours after possible HIV exposure. PEP can prevent HIV, but it is not always effective.
PrEP is for anyone who weighs at least 77 pounds and is currently HIV negative! PrEP is highly recommended for people who have:
- Unprotected sex regularly
- Been prescribed PEP multiple times
- Had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months
- Had multiple partners in the past 6 months
- Tested positive for an STI before
- Injected drugs and shared needles or equipment
PrEP is safe to take! There may be some side effects, however, they will typically go away after the first few weeks. Remember to ask a health care provider if any side effects are severe or do not go away. The most common side effects with PrEP are:
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP! If you are interested in getting on PrEP, Guilford County Division of Public Health offers a PrEP Clinic and Sexual Health Action Group (SHAG) program that provides screenings and referrals to a PrEP provider. Our PrEP provider can also connect you to various assistance programs that provide PrEP for no-cost or at a low-cost.
Get screened and referred to a PrEP provider at any of SHAG’s no-cost mobile clinic testing locations below:
- Every Tuesday at 1100 E Wendover Ave. E, Greensboro, NC 27401 from 3-6 p.m.
- Every first and third Thursday at 325 E Russell Ave., High Point, NC 27260
- Every second and fourth Thursday at 501 E Green Drive, High Point, NC 27260 from 9 a.m.-noon.
If you need any assistance, call our PrEP Coordinator at 336-641-3782, who is ready to connect you to a PrEP provider.
If you do not have insurance or Medicaid coverage, there are other programs that provide PrEP for free or at a reduced cost:
- Gilead Advancing Access helps lower the costs of PrEP medications. Income is not a factor in eligibility.
- ViiV Connect assists with paying for the injectable PrEP shots – Apretude.
- Triad Health Project partners with QCare+ to offer telehealth services for PrEP, with about 99% of users paying nothing for their medical visits, labs, and prescription.
You can find a PrEP provider or other related services near you with: