Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)  

• Is a highly effective ways to prevent HIV using medication. Services for the medication are available through MCDPH, our program include lab tests, dosage instructions, prescriptions, benefits navigation, bilingual, and adherence support. 

• Staying HIV-Free Can Be Simple: PrEP Flyers (English & Spanish)

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)  

• Is a medication taken after potential exposure to HIV to reduce the chance of becoming infected. It must be started within 72 hours of exposure and is taken daily for 28 days. PEP is for emergency situations, such as after unprotected sex, sharing needles, or a possible occupational exposure, and should always be combined with follow-up HIV testing and prevention counseling. 

For more information or to apply call 559-675-7893 and ask for HIV PrEP and PEP Services.   

Please note: We are unable to prescribe HIV PrEP and PEP for persons covered by Kaiser Permanente, TRICARE, or Veterans Health Administration benefits. If you are unable to get HIV PrEP or PEP through your authorized provider, please contact us for additional resources and options.

Abstinence 

• The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal or oral). 

 Vaccination 

• Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B and HPV. HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens ages 11 or 12 (or can start at age 9) and everyone through age 26, if not vaccinated already. Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults aged 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit as more people have already been exposed to HPV. You should also get vaccinated for hepatitis B if you were not vaccinated when you were younger. 

Reduce Number of Sex Partners 

• Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and that you share your test results with one another. 

 Mutual Monogamy 

• Mutual monogamy means that you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active only with you. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs. But you must both be certain you are not infected with STDs. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner. 

 Use Condoms 

• Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. Use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. 

• If you have latex allergies, synthetic non-latex condoms can be used. But it is important to note that these condoms have higher breakage rates than latex condoms. Natural membrane condoms are not recommended for STD prevention. 

Clean Needles 

• Using clean needles means never sharing or reusing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment. This is important because HIV can be transmitted through blood, and using sterile equipment every time helps prevent the virus from spreading. Accessing needle exchange programs or purchasing new supplies ensures safer practices and protects both you and others. 

The PrEP-AP provides assistance with PrEP-related medical out-of-pocket costs and access to medications on the PrEP-AP formulary for the prevention of HIV and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. The PrEP-AP assists both uninsured and insured individuals at risk for but not infected with HIV. 

You can apply for this program if you: 

• Don’t have health insurance coverage or  

• have insurance and have confidentiality concerns or 

• Minors between the ages of 12-17  

Eligible clients have access to the following at no cost: 

• Medication  

• PrEP/PEP Rapid ART STI Treatment and Prevention  

• Testing 

• HIV STIs & Hepatitis Pregnancy Renal Liver services 

• PrEP-related Medical Office Visits Clinically Administered Medications 

Easy steps in enrolling & Using PrEP: 

1. Visit an Enrollment worker
2. Provide Eligibility Documents 
3. Visit a Clinician 
4. Obtain labs & prescription  
5. Maintain Follow up appointment 

For more information or to schedule an appointment call 559-675-7893 and ask for PrEP-AP Services case manager.