PrEP Aware Week is October 23-29, 2023

NEW CITY, NY, - The Rockland County Department of Health's Sexual Health Clinic is taking part in PrEP Aware Week by educating the public about what PrEP is, who it's for, and how to get it.

PrEP (short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is medication that prevents HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and promotes sexual health. It is for anyone, whether you are straight, gay, bisexual or pan, and any gender expression, male, female, transgender or non-binary. PrEP is for people who are HIV negative (not living with HIV). When a person takes PrEP as directed, it is 99% effective at preventing HIV.

There are three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as PrEP for HIV: Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide), and Apretude (cabotegravir). Truvada and Descovy are oral medications, and Apretude is an injectable medication.

PrEP is individualized to support your sexual health and HIV prevention needs. You and your provider will work together to determine the best PrEP medication and dosing schedule for you.

PrEP is available at the Rockland County Department of Health Sexual Health Clinic. Appointments are required. Clinic hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm- 4pm. Please call (845) 364-3771 to schedule an appointment.

Visit the Rockland County Department of Health, New York State Department of Health, and the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Provider Directory to see other locations where PrEP is available in Rockland County. Many local providers also offer PrEP - ask your medical provider at your next visit.

The cost of PrEP includes the cost of medication, medical appointments, and lab tests. Medicaid and most health insurance plans cover all the costs for PrEP, without co-pays or cost-sharing. Drug manufacturers offer assistance, and the New York State DOH offers a PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP).

Visit https://prepforsex.org/ and www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/prep/consumers.htm for more information.