PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prevention method used by people who are HIV-negative. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these prescription medications continuously work to prevent HIV infection. PrEP is meant to be taken every day for however long the individual wants this extra layer of protection from HIV. Along with condoms, PrEP is effective against HIV but will not protect against other STIs like syphilis and gonorrhea.
Learn more about HIV Prevention! Visit cdc.gov/hiv/risk/prep/index.html.
Is PrEP right for me?
PrEP may be right for you if:
You are a man who has sex with men (MSM) and
- have sexual partners with an unknown HIV status
- have inconsistent condom use
- have been diagnosed with an STI in the past 6 months
If you inject drugs and
- have an injection partner who is HIV+ or an unknown HIV status
- shared needles or other equipment to inject drugs (cookers, cotton, ect.)
You are transgender and
- have sexual partners with an unknown HIV status
- have partners who are transwomen or MSM (men who have sex with men)
Same-day PrEP
The Sexual Health Team at Fenway Health now offers a same-day PrEP program. This program is unique in that participants will work with a trained Health Navigator who are able assist with scheduling, insurance navigation, transportation and any other barriers one may face when initiating PrEP. The goal of the program is for eligible participants to walk out of our doors with a PrEP prescription in hand.
While receiving a same-day PrEP prescription in not guaranteed, most enrolled in the program do receive their prescription on the same day. You do not have to be a primary care patient of Fenway Health to start PrEP with us.
PrEP is offered 5 days/week at Fenway Health’s 1340 Boylston Street location through walk in clinics and pre-scheduled appointments.
Contact the Sexual Health Team
617.267.0159
Tips for your PrEP Initiation Visit
- If you are insured, please bring your insurance information to your visit as your insurance will be billed for lab work
- If you are uninsured or underinsured, please give us a call and we can set you up with an appointment with our Financial Assistance Program who can help you enroll in a sliding fee scale or get you coverage through MassHealth.
- If you are concerned about confidentiality or your ability to pay for the PrEP prescription, please visit Community Resource Initiative’s PrEP Drug Assistance Program information page. Please note that the sexual health program can assist you in getting set up with PrEPDAP if needed.
- Please call 617.267.0159 if you have questions!