PrEP Yourself: Stay Ahead of HIV

Learn How a Daily Pill Can Reduce HIV Risk During PrEP Aware Week Oct. 19 to 25

NEW CITY, NY, - The Rockland County Department of Health is proud to participate in PrEP Aware Week from October 19^th through the 25th, dedicated to increasing public awareness about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), who it’s for, and how to access it. This year's theme, “PrEP Revolution,” features PrEP campaign ambassadors statewide who will share their experiences with PrEP, HIV prevention, and sexual health. 

PrEP is a prescription medication, available in pill or injectable form, that is taken before potential exposure to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) to significantly reduce the risk of infection. It is designed for adults and adolescents who are HIV-negative and may be exposed to HIV through sexual activity or injection-drug use. Additionally, PrEP can be a valuable tool for protecting pregnant individuals and their babies from HIV during conception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. It is important to have an open and honest conversation about PrEP with your healthcare provider before beginning PrEP to see if it’s right for you.

PrEP is available at the Rockland County Department of Health Sexual Health Clinic. Clinic hours are by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call (845) 364-3771 to schedule an appointment.

Visit 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, so ask your medical provider during your next visit.

When taken as prescribed, PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV from sex. However, since PrEP only offers protection against HIV, using condoms remains crucial in preventing other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and offers additional HIV protection if PrEP is not taken consistently.

For those concerned about the cost, Medicaid and most health insurance plans cover PrEP without co-pays or cost-sharing. Drug manufacturers (e.g., Gilead Medication Assistance Program) offer financial support to help uninsured or under-insured individuals access PrEP medication, and the New York State Department of Health’s PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) helps to cover costs of PrEP-associated health care and laboratory services for uninsured or under-insured patients.

For more information, visit the PrEP Aware website and the New York State Department of Health.

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