What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is a daily medication that, if taken consistently as prescribed, can greatly reduce the risk of transmission when exposed to HIV. But PrEP is much less effective if not taken consistently.

In essence, PrEP prevents HIV infections from starting in people who are HIV negative but have been exposed to HIV. Keep in mind that PrEP is not a cure for people who already have HIV, and it doesn’t protect against other kinds of sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.


Who should take PrEP?

According to the CDC, PrEP may benefit those who are HIV-negative and if ANY of the following apply to you. 

You are a gay/bisexual man andYou are a heterosexual andYou inject drugs and
• have an HIV-positive partner• have an HIV-positive partner• share needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs
• have multiple partners, a partner with multiple partners, or a partner with multiple partners, or a partner whose HIV status is unknown-and you also

  • have anal sex without a condom, or
  • recently had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• have multiple partners, a partner with multiple partners, or a partner with multiple partners, or a partner whose HIV status is unknown-and you also
  • don’t always use a condom condom, or for sex with people who inject drugs, or 
  • don’t always use a condom for sex with bisexual men
• are at risk for getting HIV from sex


How can I obtain PrEP?

PrEP is offered at various locations throughout the Newark EMA and may be covered by many insurance programs. To locate a PrEP Provider near you, use NPIN's national database here. A PrEP provider can also help you to find various options to obtain PrEP at a low-cost or for free for eligible clients. 


More PrEP Information:

Insurers must cover PrEP and Related Services to Prevent HIV - The federal government reminded health insurers that they must cover pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV and that they must do so at no cost to clients.  

Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America -  A ten year initiative beginning in FY 2020 to achieve the important goal of reducing new HIV infections.

Ready, Set, PrEP Program - This program provides access to PrEP medications at no cost to people who qualify. 

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - What is PrEP? by the CDC

HIV Prevention - What is PrEP? by the NIH