Taking care of yourself and making fully informed decisions about your health is paramount and, most of all, it’s empowering. No matter what your sexual orientation or gender expression is, your right to have a safe, pleasurable sex life is just as important as anyone else’s. That’s why it’s so crucial to be aware of all your options – and that includes preventative health care like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. could benefit from PrEP but fewer than one in four are prescribed PrEP. By increasing awareness and accessibility of PrEP, our communities are healthier and safer.
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a pill taken daily to help prevent you from contracting HIV. By taking PrEP correctly and consistently, you can reduce your risk of getting HIV from sex by 99% and injection drug use by at least 74%. PrEP is a safe and healthy tool for sexually active people of any orientation to help prevent the spread of HIV.
Is PrEP right for me?
PrEP might be a good fit for you if you are HIV-negative and any of the following apply to you:
1) You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past six months and
- Had or have sexual partner(s) with HIV (even if they are on HIV treatment),
- Are unsure of the HIV status of your sexual partner(s),
- Had or have sexual partner(s) who are injection drug users,
- Have not consistently used a condom, or
- Have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months.
2) You are an injection drug user who
- Has an injection partner with HIV, or
- Share needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs (for example, cookers).
3) You have been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and
- Report continued risk behavior or
- Have used multiple courses of PEP.
4) You are HIV negative and are interested in PrEP.
I’m interested, but I don’t have insurance. What should I do?
While PrEP is covered by most private and state Medicaid plans, not everyone has insurance. Some programs, like Ready, Set, PrEP, offer additional support for those who may not be able to afford the medicine.
Ready, Set, PrEP is a key component of the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) initiative to make PrEP accessible to uninsured people.
To qualify for Ready, Set, PrEP, individuals must test negative for HIV, have a valid prescription for the medications, and lack prescription drug coverage. For more information on how to enroll in the program, visit https://getyourprep.com/.
I think I’m ready for PrEP. What are my next steps?
Call your tribal, urban, or Indian Health Service clinic to see if PrEP is available there. Then, make an appointment with your doctor or one at a community health clinic like Seattle Indian Health Board today to discuss if PrEP is right for you.