What is PEP?

PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) is an emergency medication taken immediately after you are exposed to HIV that can stop HIV from infecting your body.  It must be started within 72 hours of exposure (the sooner the better) and a full course is needed - 28 days – to be effective.

If you are HIV negative, PEP can protect you in an emergency – if you had anal or vaginal sex without a condom with someone who has or might have HIV or if you were exposed while injecting needles. PEP is also available to workers who may have been exposed to HIV. 

Is PEP right for me?

PEP is not the right choice for people who may be exposed to HIV frequently. PEP is given after a potential exposure to HIV, which means more drugs and higher doses are needed to block infection than with PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis. If you often have sex without a condom with a partner who is HIV-positive talk with your provider about PrEP.

How do I get PEP in Monterey County?

If you were exposed to HIV, immediately go to a local Emergency Room and ask for PEP. 

• Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP)
  • 23625 Holman Highway, Monterey, CA 93940
• Natividad Medical Center (NMC)
  • 1441 Constitution Blvd., Salinas, CA 93906
• Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital (SVMH)
  • 450 East Romie Lane, Salinas, CA 93901
• Mee Memorial Hospital (Mee)
  • 300 Canal St., King City, CA 93930

Are PEP and PrEP different?

Yes, PrEP is taken when people at high risk for HIV take HIV medicines (sold under the brand name Truvada) daily to lower their chances of getting HIV. If you are at ongoing risk for HIV, speak to your doctor about PrEP or check out our list of local Monterey County providers prescribing PrEP.

Need more PEP Info? Check out these resources.

For Providers:

• PEP Warm line info: http://nccc.ucsf.edu/clinician-consultation/pep-post-exposure-prophylaxis/
• Call for a Phone Consultation: (888) 448-4911, 9 a.m. – 2 a.m. EST, Seven days a week
• See updated nPEP guidelines.