PrEP and nPEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) are HIV prevention strategies.  They are medical interventions and public health approaches used to prevent infection.  Please read below to learn more about PrEP and nPEP.

PrEP

“PrEP” stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.  The word “prophylaxis” means to prevent or control, as in the spread of an infection or disease.  An example is using a condom to prevent pregnancy or STDs.  The goal of PrEP is to prevent HIV infection from taking hold if you are exposed to the virus.  This is done by taking one pill at the same time every day.  These are some of the same medicines used to keep the virus under control in people who are already living with HIV.  PrEP is most effective when used with other prevention strategies such as condoms.

nPEP

“nPEP” stands for non-occupational Post Exposure Prophylaxis.  As the term suggests, the goal of nPEP is to prevent HIV infection after you have been exposed to the virus.  Having condom-less sex or sharing a needle with a person known to have HIV, or unknown HIV status, or in the case of sexual assault are typical uses for nPEP.  It is important to know that the medications used for nPEP must be started within 72 hours after the incident occurred to be effective.

Find PrEP Services Near you!

Interested in PrEP?  Find a location near you where you can get the pill or shot for HIV prevention.  Use our PrEP Google Site Map below.

For more information about PrEP services at any of these sites please call VDH at (804) 314-3619 during regular business hours.  If you need help with nPEP because you might have been exposed to HIV, call our hotline at 1-800-533-4148 during regular business hours.

Please note: if you are a Virginia state employee viewing this page you may have issues viewing the site map if you have your agency profile logged into the browser.  Open this page in a new browser or log your profile out for the map to load accurately.  State employees needing additional help accessing the site map, please email Chris Barnett at christopher.barnett@vdh.virginia.gov.

Financial Resources

DDP does bill for PrEP services.  Financial help is available through:

Patients with no insurance who are not eligible for Medicaid will continue to receive PrEP at no cost (if income requirements are met).

PrEP navigators are available at most VDH partner sites.  Navigators can assist with any questions during this transition period.  They are also available to assist with enrollment into programs for financial help for PrEP services.  Find a PrEP clinic near using the locator below and ask if they have a navigator to assist you with your needs.

Let's Talk About PrEP

Listen to real people tell their stories about PrEP.

General Resources for PrEP

For more information on PrEP services in Virginia, please contact Eric Mayes, PrEP Coordinator, at eric.mayes@vdh.virginia.gov.

Last Updated: July 19, 2023