Health Advocacy
PrEP
About Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
“In its simplest definition, prophylaxis means doing something ahead of time to prevent harming the body”
PrEP is one tool in the HIV prevention toolbox. When an HIV-negative person proactively takes PrEP to prevent chronic HIV, they are protected from HIV in case an exposure occurs during sex or while sharing needles. When used every day, PrEP has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%.
What medications are used in PrEP?
PrEP — or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis — involves an HIV prevention medication called Truvada®, Descovy® or Cabotegravir for HIV-negative people. Any of these medicines can significantly reduce your chances of contracting HIV. Truvada and Descovy are pills that you take one time per day, while Cabotegravir is an injection that you receive every 6-8 weeks. Truvada was approved for use as PrEP in July of 2012 by the US FDA, and Descovy was approved in October of 2019. Your medical provider can help you decide which form of PrEP is appropriate. When used every day, PrEP has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%.
What is PrEP Navigation?
PrEP navigation supports people in finding HIV prevention options that meet their sexual and reproductive health needs, without shame or stigma. Through prevention education, health benefits navigation, and referrals to resources, navigation programs help people understand PrEP, resolve barriers to PrEP care, get insurance coverage, and connect people to other support services.
In addition, if you are uninsured or need financial assistance to cover the cost of PrEP, a PrEP Navigator can help you apply for drug assistance programs. ***Remember*** PrEP is FREE for all WA state residents.
Our PrEP Navigators Will:
- Have a conversation with you about sexual health and tools for preventing HIV
- Support you in deciding whether you could benefit from taking PrEP
- Conduct STI and rapid HIV testing
- Help you apply for drug assistance programs
- Schedule you a One-Step PrEP™ appointment with our partner pharmacy Kelley-Ross
If you are interested in PrEP, schedule a PrEP Navigation appointment today!
Sophie, one of the Center’s Sexual Health & Prevention Navigators
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Center's PrEP Navigators?
Each of our Sexual Health and Prevention Navigators is a Certified PrEP Navigator. Learn more about our Navigators here.
When should I book a PrEP Navigation appointment?
If you are having sex or share needles for injecting drugs, you may want to learn more about your risk of acquiring HIV. If the following characteristics apply to you, schedule an appointment with one of our PrEP Navigators today to learn more about which prevention tools are available to you.
Sexually-Active Adults and Adolescents
Back hole/anal or front hole/vaginal sex in the past 6 months AND any of the following:
- HIV-Positive sexual partner (especially if partner has an unknown or detectable viral load)
- Bacterial STI in the past 6 months
- History of inconsistent or no condom use with sexual partner(s)
In addition, if you are uninsured or need financial assistance to cover the cost of PrEP, a PrEP Navigator can help you apply for drug assistance programs. Remember – PrEP is FREE for all WA state residents.
How do I get on PrEP as soon as possible?
Book an in-person or virtual appointment with our partner pharmacy, Kelley-Ross. If you are uninsured or need financial assistance to cover the cost of PrEP, Kelley-Ross will schedule you with a PrEP Navigator at the Center to help you apply for payment assistance programs.
I'm concerned I may have been exposed to HIV
Call to learn more or schedule a PEP appointment at our in-house pharmacy: Kelley-Ross
Phone: (206) 641-7766
Fax: (206) 641-7767
Email: [email protected]
For More Information About PrEP, Please Visit:
- Preexposure Prophylaxis for the Prevention of HIV Infection in the United States – 2021 Update Clinical Practice Guideline – by the CDC
- Helping People Access Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – by pleaseprepme.org
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) – by the DOH
