PrEP and PEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a tablet that people who are at high risk of coming into contact with HIV can take in advance (before sex) to prevent HIV. PrEP is now available on the NHS free for those eligible.

Depending on the type and frequency of sex you have and your medical history, there are different ways that you can take PrEP, such as daily or event based (just before you plan to have sex). PrEP is extremely effective when taken correctly.

Not everyone can take PrEP — for example, it is not recommended for people who are not at high risk for HIV or individuals who are already living with HIV. Also, if you have a sexual partner who is living with HIV and on treatment with an ‘undetectable’ virus level in the blood, the risk of getting HIV is zero and PrEP or PEP treatment is not recommended.

Read more about Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) 

It’s important to remember that PrEP will not protect you against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea or syphilis.

People who take PrEP are recommended to have three-monthly check-ups for STIs and regular kidney function checks. To read more about PrEP visit PrEP Guide.

❗ Important: Complete STI testing before your PrEP appointment

If you are taking PrEP and don’t have symptoms, please pre-test for sexually transmitted infections using a postal kit.
You can order this from the online testing service.

We need you to test within 4 weeks before your appointment and have the results on the day you attend.

If you’re not eligible for online testing — for example, if you:

• have symptoms
• have been in contact with an infection
• are under 16
• or online testing is not available in your area

…then just attend the clinic — see below for how to book.

How you can get PrEP

If you need to start PrEP or need a PrEP follow-up appointment as well as a sexual health screen, please call 0203 312 1225 or book at the PROUD clinic.

Remember: If you don’t have symptoms, please complete online STI testing within 4 weeks before your appointment using the postal testing service.

If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, please visit our dedicated page to find out about other services on offer.

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is different to PrEP. PEP is medication taken as soon as possible (no later than 72 hour) and AFTER coming into contact with HIV reduces the chance of HIV infection by over 80 per cent. 

How you can get PEP

• people needing PEP should attend a sexual health clinic as soon as possible, or if out of hours should attend accident and emergency for advice and treatment. You do not need to make an appointment for PEP at Jefferiss. Go straight to the ground floor reception during our opening hours.  
• if you were exposed to HIV more than 72 hours ago and have more questions you can still book an appointment by calling 0203 312 1225. Alternatively, you can wait 45 days (window periods for HIV) and then you can test for HIV by getting an online sexual health check-up with Sexual Health London or SH24. If you live in a borough where you are not able to obtain a free online testing kit, you can find your local service either through the NHS website.