PrEP & PEP

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is an emergency 28-day course of medication a person can take after potential exposure to HIV.

PEP is effective in preventing HIV when administered correctly, but not 100%.

PEP must be started no later than 72 hours (3 days) after the potential exposure.

If you are concerned you have been exposed to HIV, talk to your health care provider or an emergency room physician – the sooner the better.

As of January 2024, all Oregon hospitals are required to provide a minimum 5-day supply of PEP to those who need it. The hospital is not required to provide the full 28-day supply, but must provide patients with information about obtaining the remaining doses, including free or low cost options, at the time the initial dose is provided. If you need help finding PEP or if you need financial assistance to pay for PEP, contact a PEP navigator for free help.

Most insurance plans, including the Oregon Health Plan, cover PEP. If you do not have insurance, there are other resources to cover the cost of PEP. Your medical provider or PEP Navigator can assist you with finding financial support to pay for PEP.

HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Resources for Patients (English & Spanish)

Recommendations from Dr. Tim Menza for Oregon emergency medicine and urgent care providers on usage of PEP (pdf). Patients can bring this letter to care facilities to expedite the process of accessing PEP.

Not all pharmacies currently stock PEP medications. This online directory lists pharmacies that stock medications commonly prescribed for PEP.

Learn more about PEP For Providers

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP is a medication that people take to prevent getting HIV. The FDA has approved two oral PrEP medications (TRUVADA® or DESCOVY®) that must be taken daily. Generic brands are available under the name Tenofovir/Emtricitabine (TDF/FTC). In December 2021, the FDA also approved an injectable form of PrEP (Apretude), a shot that must be given by a medical provider every other month.

When taken as directed, PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV through sex by more than 99% and can reduce the risk of getting HIV among people who inject drugs by up to 74%.

PrEP is one more way you can reduce your risk of HIV along with talking to your partners about your status and consistently using condoms and lubricant. PrEP does not provide protection against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. Taking PrEP means you must be seen by a medical provider every three months to test for HIV and other STIs.

For Consumers For Providers Learn more about PrEP

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For Consumers

Getting Started

We recognize that getting PrEP and PEP might feel overwhelming. That’s why no matter where you live in Oregon, there are professional Navigators who are ready to assist you. PrEP and PEP Navigators are available to help you learn whether PrEP or PEP is right for you, and if so, how to get, pay for and use the medication. PrEP and PEP Navigation is a free service.

Frequently Asked Questions about PrEP Access - English (October 2024)
Preguntas frecuentes sobre el acceso a la PrEP - Español (Octubre 2024)

Find a PrEP or PEP Navigator

There are three organizations that currently provide free PrEP and PEP Navigation services. Click on the one that serves your county.

Cascade AIDS Project PrEP Navigators and PEP Navigators: Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill
Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living: Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler.
HIV Alliance: Benton, Clatsop, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk, Tillamook

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Find a PrEP Provider

Curious to see if there is a PrEP provider near you? Visit the Oregon AIDS Education and Training Center PrEP Provider List.

How Will I Pay for PrEP?

In June 2020, The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) gave daily oral PrEP its strongest rating recommendation, a Grade A. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most private health plans and all Medicaid-expansion programs must cover all USPSTF Grade A recommended services free-of-charge, without co-pays or cost-sharing to insured persons.

Download our PrEP Grade A Infographic in English or Spanish to learn what this means.

If you need financial assistance to pay for PrEP, contact a PrEP navigator for free help.

For Providers

PrEP Guide for Providers and Navigators, October 2024 (pdf)

PrEP Access FAQ Patient Handout, October 2024 (pdf): English, Spanish

Guidance for Hospitals: Dispensing of 5-day Supply of HIV PEP, January 2024
List of PrEP/PEP Prescribing Trainings for Oregon Pharmacists (pdf)
Overview of Pharmacist Prescribed PrEP and PEP in Oregon (pdf)
Oregon Medicaid Pharmacy Quick Reference, December 2020 (pdf)

Want to be added to the PrEP Provider List?

Contact Oregon AETC if you are a prescribing clinician in Oregon or Washington and wish to be added to the Oregon AIDS Education and Training Center’s PrEP Provider List.

Medication Information

PrEP Data and Reports

Experiences of PrEP Use among People Recently Diagnosed with HIV in Oregon, 2016-2019 (pdf)

This special surveillance report, published May 2020, compiles descriptive information on people newly diagnosed with HIV who reported a history of taking PrEP. The information is intended to be used to improve PrEP services in Oregon.