Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)/Post Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP)

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) - Click Here to view Video

PrEP Services:

In an effort to eliminate HIV infections, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is offering Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), taking PrEP as prescribed reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99 percent. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by at least 74 percent. Persons taking PrEP should also continue to use other proven prevention strategies, including condoms and safer sexual practices. PrEP provides protection from HIV but does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Initially, patients requesting PrEP services are evaluated clinically and if indicated can receive immediate access to PrEP medication. Consideration is given to every patient based on their eligibility requirements, which includes their financial status and assisting them with access to PrEP services.  

Initial evaluation services include client education, HIV testing, STD testing, hepatitis testing, kidney function tests and a prescription for PrEP medication. Clients will be seen every 3 months for follow up after PrEP initiation to assess and monitor the individual’s HIV status, adherence to PrEP medication, need to continue PrEP, review of side effects, monitor bloodwork, screen for STDs and to provide education on prevention behaviors such as safer sex and condom use. 

If you are sexually active, PrEP may be an option for you.

What to expect during your first visit?    

Clients can call 407-723-4170 or come in to the DOH-Orange STD clinic located at Central Health Center, Building 1, 832 West Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32805 to set up an appointment with the PrEP Coordinator and PrEP provider. 

• A rapid HIV test will be conducted on all PrEP clients on their appointment date (regardless of any recent test). 
• If the result is negative, clients will be seen by the PrEP Coordinator for a full PrEP education session (available in English and Spanish); with the assistance of a video (PrEP 101), and to start paperwork for eligibility. 
• Clients will then be seen by the PrEP provider for an evaluation and examination.  The PrEP provider will order the necessary bloodwork and testing and if indicated will issue a prescription for PrEP medication.
• Clients will be taken to the onsite lab for blood work and testing ordered by the PrEP provider.
• Clients should return every 3 months for repeat testing, evaluation and to receive refills for PrEP medication.

Note: To receive PrEP medication the client must be HIV negative.

What you need to bring to your appointment: 

All clients are required to bring a photo ID.

All clients with and without medical insurance are eligible for PrEP.  If you have medical insurance, please bring a current copy of your insurance card. If you do not have medical insurance, we can assist you in completing the paperwork for eligibility for PrEP medication.  Please bring the following to complete the eligibility paperwork: If you are working, please bring your 2 most recent pay stubs.  If you are not working, please bring a letter stating who is assisting you financially.

Clinic Hours for PrEP appointments: 

PrEP is offered Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins can be accommodated.

The DOH-ORANGE PrEP program is FREE of charge to all who are serviced

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) involves taking antiretroviral medications as soon as possible after a potential exposure to HIV to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection. There are two types of PEP: 1) occupational PEP, or an exposure that happens in the workplace (such as a needle stick in a healthcare setting), and 2) non-occupational PEP (nPEP), or when someone is potentially exposed to HIV through sexual intercourse or injection drug use.

*To be effective, PEP must begin with 72 hours of exposure and consists of 2-3 antiretroviral medications that must be taken for 28 days. A physician must determine what treatment is appropriate based on the nature of the exposure. Starting PEP after a potential exposure does not guarantee that someone exposed to HIV will not become infected.

nPEP Providers

Orlando Immunology Center

1707 N Mills Ave Orlando Florida 32803
407-647-3960

Bliss Healthcare Service

2901 Curry Ford Road #106 Orlando Florida 32806
407-203-5984

Centra Care