Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) means before exposure to HIV. PrEP is a HIV prevention strategy in which people who don’t have HIV take a daily pill (Truvada) to reduce their risk of becoming infected. Truvada acts as a shield over your CD4 cells (immune system) preventing the HIV virus from attacking them and replicating the virus. PrEP is an additional method that is recommended to be used with other HIV prevention tools such as condoms. PrEP is for anyone who is HIV negative but specifically people who are at risk to getting the infection. That includes people who have one or more partners who have HIV, people who don’t know their partners status, people who have sex without condoms, sex workers and those who use injection drugs. For people who take the pill once a day, their estimated level of protection is 99%. PrEP can only be prescribed by a health provider. You will have to get an HIV test, blood work and meet with your provider every 3 months as part PrEP’s guidelines. PrEP is accepted by many health insurances including Medicaid. If you don’t have insurance there are PrEP financial assistance programs that can cover the costs of your doctor appointments and medication. PrEP is offered at all 16 of our locations. If you would like to speak with the PrEP Specialist or Advocate you can contact the Positive Choice Center at 147 Lake Street Newburgh NY. Our phone number is 845 563 8041. The PrEP Specialist is available on Mondays at 10 Benton Avenue Middletown NY from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Tuesday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm at the Newburgh location.
