HIV Prevention Services (PrEP &nPEP)

If you are 13-25…

VOISES sexual health navigators can get you an appointment at the Johns Hopkins Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Health (CAYAH) Clinic at Harriet Lane, with doctors who specialize in the care of adolescents and young adults and could prescribe PrEP for those who are eligible. A Navigator can also assist with getting the cost of PrEP and PEP covered with your insurance and other cost-saving programs.

If you are 26 and older...

VOISES sexual health navigators can help you get services at the Baltimore City Health Department sexual health clinics or with one of the other adult clinics in the area that we partner with.

Here are some additional ways to find out if you're at risk.

For more information on PrEP, check out PrEP Maryland, the resources below, or connect with a Navigator today!

What are PrEP and PEP?

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a way of protecting people without HIV from getting HIV. It involves taking one pill daily or a long-acting injection, which significantly lowers your risk of contracting HIV.  PrEP is recommended to be taken in addition to using condoms for even better protection. It’s important to note: PrEP does not protect against STIs (aka STDs), like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, genital herpes, or genital warts. PrEP is also not contraception and does not protect against pregnancy.

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. Unlike PrEP, it is designed to take after you think you may have been exposed to HIV. You have to start PEP within 72 hours (3 days) after you were exposed to HIV for it to work. The sooner you start it, the better. PEP is only for emergencies — it doesn’t take the place of using condoms or PrEP.

Why would someone take PrEP/PEP?

  • Some people find comfort in knowing they have added protection from getting HIV while taking PrEP.

  • PEP is reserved for emergencies — it doesn’t take the place of using condoms or PrEP. PEP lowers your chances of getting HIV after a possible exposure when started at an appropriate time.