Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

PrEP is an effective way for individuals to protect themselves from contracting HIV.

Did you know that D.C. has the highest prevalence of HIV in the United States and one of the highest new infections in adolescents and young adults? PrEP can help reduce the risk for your teen and your own risk from contracting HIV.

Risk of getting HIV from sex can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods. Plus, when using condoms, an individual protects himself from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You can be eligible for PrEP, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, etc. PrEP is for you if are ready to take the next step in protecting yourself against HIV.

PrEP may benefit any HIV negative individual (so, you need to know you are HIV negative), and if you:

• Have a sexual partner who is living with HIV
• Had at least one STI in the last 6 months
• Do not know if your partner has other partner(s)
• Have multiple partners
• Do not know your partner(s) status
• Do not use condoms consistently or do not use condoms at all
• Use injection drugs
• Have interest in PrEP or request to be on PrEP

Individuals who are living with HIV

• If an individual has already contracted HIV, they need to take other medicines that potentially include PrEP medications as well, but with more medicines to fight HIV.

Individuals who do not know their HIV status

• If an individual has been infected recently, has not been tested yet and starts taking PrEP medications, HIV may become harder to treat in the future because PrEP works to prevent, but not to treat HIV alone without other medicines.

No significant negative health effects have been seen in individuals who are taking PrEP. Some individuals taking PrEP may experience common medicine-related side effects, like nausea, but these side effects are usually not serious and go away over time.

It is always important to notify your health care provider if you are experiencing any side effects of the medicines you take. 

PrEP's cost is covered by most insurance programs and Medicaid plans. There are also medication assistance programs available that provide free or reduced cost PrEP to people with limited income or no insurance.

Children’s National Hospital provides PrEP through many of our outpatient clients, including but not limited to:

• Special Immunology Services (HIV/AIDS Program) at the main hospital
• Adolescent Health Center at the main hospital
• Children’s National at THEARC
• Children’s National Anacostia 

If you would like to find out more about PrEP or you think that PrEP may be the right choice for you, please contact the Children’s National PrEP team to get linked to care. Please call our providers at 202-576-7779 and you can leave the confidential information how to reach you back. 

PEP is for any individual who thinks they may have been exposed to HIV. This could be from unprotected sex, a condom breaking, sharing needles during injected drug use, or through being sexually assaulted.

It is important to note that PEP is time sensitive: PEP must be started within 72 hours (three days) after a possible exposure to HIV.

PEP must be prescribed by the health care provider. PEP is started within 72 hours (three days) of exposure and is taken for 28 days. Individuals taking PEP will need to have a follow-up visit with a health care provide after completing PEP.

It is important to note that you cannot take PEP if you have unprotected sex. If you are consistently having unprotected sex, PrEP is the right option for you.

Depending on the circumstances of the recent HIV exposure, PEP can be comprised of two or three HIV medicines. As any medicines, PEP may cause side effects in some people. These side effects can be treated and usually aren’t dangerous.

PEP medications may interact with other medications; it is important let your health care providers know what medications you are taking.  

PEP's cost is covered by most insurance programs and Medicaid plans. There are also medication assistance programs available that provide free or reduced cost PEP to people with limited income or no insurance.

PEP can be access through a health care provider or in an urgent care or emergency department setting.