PrEP stands for Pre‑Exposure Prophylaxis—a medication that helps prevent HIV before you’re exposed. It’s for people who do not have HIV but might be at risk through sex or injection drug use.

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How Does PrEP Work?

PrEP loads your body with medicine that blocks HIV from making copies of itself. So even if HIV enters your body, the medication stops it from taking hold.

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Who Can Take PrEP?

PrEP is recommended for:

• Anyone who asks for it (you don’t have to “prove” risk)

• People who have sex without condoms

• People with partners whose HIV status they don’t know

• LGBTQ youth (including transgender and nonbinary youth)

• Anyone with a recent STI

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Is PrEP Safe?

Yes. PrEP has been studied for years and is considered safe for teens and adults. Side effects are usually mild (like headache or stomach issues) and often go away within a few weeks.

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What Do I Need to Start?

Before starting PrEP, a clinician will:

• Do an HIV test

• Check basic labs (kidney function for oral PrEP)

• Talk about your options

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Is PrEP Free?

Most insurance plans and Medicaid cover PrEP with no copays or deductibles. Assistance programs can also help with medication or lab costs.

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Want to Talk to Someone About PrEP?

Our team can walk you through all your options, what to expect, and how to get started. Zero judgment. 100% support.