Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

PrEP yourself. Protect yourself from HIV.

What is PrEP?

PrEP is a daily medication that can reduce your chance of getting HIV by over 90%. Anyone who is at risk of encountering HIV, whether through sex or sharing needles, can take PrEP. PrEP is available to people under age 18.

Is PrEP safe?

Yes. PrEP causes some side effects in very few people, but those side effects don’t last long.

What's the difference between PEP and PrEP?

PEP is a medication to prevent HIV that is taken within 72 hours of exposure to HIV. It works by blocking the virus in your body by taking a 28-day medication regimen. This medicine can be prescribed by your doctor or a doctor in the emergency room. If you believe you need PEP, contact your primary care doctor or visit your local emergency department.

Where can I get PrEP?

We prescribe PrEP here at public health, but you can also get PrEP from anyone who can write a prescription. This includes your own doctor.

How much does PrEP cost?

Insurance companies do cover PrEP. If you don’t have insurance, there are programs to help you access PrEP. If your insurance company doesn’t cover the entire cost of PrEP, there are ways to help with that cost, too!

Where can I learn more about PrEP?

You can visit the CDC website to learn more, or give us a call!

nPEP

We also offer Non-Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP). nPEP is a short-term treatment that must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection. nPEP is also available in hospital emergency departments. More information on nPEP