Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who do not have HIV to help prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill contains two medicines that are also used, in combination with other medicines, to treat HIV. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, PrEP can help stop the virus from establishing a permanent infection. When used consistently, PrEP has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at substantial risk. PrEP is much less effective when it is not taken consistently.

PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool, and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone. People who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug daily and seeing their health care provider every 3 months for HIV testing and other follow-up.

While the Monterey County Health Department does not endorse specific medical providers or facilities, there are currently several medical providers in Monterey County who offer PrEP services. Their contact information is listed below. Please be advised that these are private facilities. They may not accept all insurances, and payment for uncovered services will likely be expected. Not all providers at the clinics below offer PrEP services; please request the physicians listed below. Please contact the facility directly to make an appointment and discuss payment options.

• Planned Parenthood Mar Monte – Seaside Office, 625 Hilby Ave., Seaside, CA 93955, 831-394-1619
• Planned Parenthood Mar Monte – Salinas Office, 316 North Main St., Salinas 93901, 831-758-8261
• Martha Blum, MD, Peninsula Primary Care, 275 The Crossroads, Suite A, Carmel, CA 93923, Phone (831) 718-9701
• Jose Pauda, MD, Costa Central Medical Group, 323 N Sanborn Rd., Salinas, 93905 Phone (831) 751-6200
• Stephen Saglio, MD, Valle Verde Medical Group, 1332 Natividad Rd., #C, Salinas, CA 93906, Phone (831) 754-1544

For a directory of other PrEP providers, visit Please Prep Me.