PrEP
PrEP – also known as HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis – is a medicine for people who don’t have HIV. It is not a vaccine and does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It’s a tablet that you take before having sex to block HIV from entering the body and is almost 99% effective when taken properly.
It is only for HIV-negative people and does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
PrEP is not a vaccine and only provides protection when taken as prescribed.
PrEP is not a vaccine and only provides protection when taken as prescribed.
It’s safe to use alongside all forms of contraception and hormone therapy for trans people.
PrEP is available from:
- online (paid for options)
PrEP is recommended for:
- Men who have sex with men who are having condom-less anal sex with new/unknown partners
- Men and women who are from, or having sex with people from a country where HIV is more prevalent (Africa, Caribbean, South East Asia, South America, Eastern Europe)
- Transgender women
- Recent migrants
- People who inject drugs, including chemsex
- Anyone travelling to a country with HIV is common and they may have sex there with new partners
- If your sexual partner is living with HIV and not taking treatment effectively
PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
To protect against other STIs, condoms should be used for all types of sex – oral, vaginal and anal and when sharing sex toys.
PrEP is available free on the NHS from:
- sexual health clinics
- purchased online
You can find your nearest clinic using our find a service tool
