HIV Prevention: PrEP
UI Health cares about your whole health, including your sexual health. We believe your sexual health deserves the same attention and respect as any other part of your well-being. That’s why we offer PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a safe medication that is 99% effective in helping to prevent HIV when taken as directed.
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a medication that reduces the risk of becoming infected with HIV from sex or drug use. PrEP is available in two different forms: a once-daily pill or a bimonthly injection (every two months).
Once-daily pill: this is the most common form of PrEP. It is a good option for those who are comfortable with taking a pill every day.
Bimonthly injection: for those who prefer not to take a daily pill, PrEP can be prescribed as an injectable medication administered once every two months by a health care provider.
Your provider can help you decide which option is best for you. We offer PrEP at various locations.
Is PrEP right for me?
- Have you had sex without condoms in the past six months?
- Have you been diagnosed with syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia in the past six months?
- Have any of your sexual partners been diagnosed with HIV?
- Have you used injection drugs in the past 6 months?
If you answered yes to any of the 4 questions above, PrEP could help you to reduce your chances of becoming infected with HIV.
How do I get PrEP?
No need for a referral. You can simply schedule an appointment with a UI Health primary care clinic. Stay informed, empowered, and protected. Whether you are just interested in learning more about PrEP or ready to start the medication, our primary care team is here to talk with you, answer questions, and support your choices.
Most major insurance plans and state Medicaid plans cover PrEP.
What if I don’t have an established primary care physician at UI Health?
With multiple locations throughout Chicagoland, establishing primary care at UI Health is easy and convenient! Our primary care physicians (PCP) provide the care every member of your family needs, at each stage of life. Partnering with a UI Health PCP is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Click here to learn more about primary care services at UI Health.
To establish primary care and schedule an appointment, call 866.600.CARE, or schedule an appointment online.
