San Joaquin County Public Health Services (PHS) will begin offering HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in February. PrEP is a way for people who do not have HIV, but who have an increased chance of getting it, to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill called Truvada every day. Truvada has been shown to be safe and to help HIV-negative people to stay that way. PrEP is used along with other prevention methods, such as condoms. When taken daily, PrEP can reduce the chance of getting HIV by more than 90 percent. If not taken daily, PrEP will not be as protective against HIV infection.
“Approximately 80 people become newly infected with HIV in San Joaquin County each year,” says Julie Vaishampayan, MD, MPH, Assistant Public Health Officer. “We are committed to using every effective method to decrease new HIV infections in San Joaquin County. PrEP is another step forward in our efforts to end this epidemic.”
PHS is now taking appointments for anyone interested in PrEP. Truvada is covered by most health insurances. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call (209) 468-3830. Let’s together stop HIV!