PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a prescription medicine that you take before you come in contact with HIV that will prevent HIV infection. These medications are highly effective when taken as prescribed, and are very safe and generally well-tolerated by most people. Anyone can use PrEP to prevent HIV infection. If condoms aren’t or can’t be used during sex, or if using a new syringe is not possible, then taking PrEP is an effective way to help prevent HIV. PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. When taken as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after someone may have been exposed to HIV. The sooner the better! Then PEP is taken daily for about a month. Talk to your health care provider, or an emergency room/urgent care doctor may be able to prescribe PEP to you.

The Butler County Health Department offers a free PrEP Clinic once a month. This program provides free PrEP medications to people who do not have insurance. It expands access to PrEP medications, reduces the number of new HIV transmissions, and brings us one step closer to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.

The PrEP Clinic is held at the Butler County Health Department the first Thursday of the month from 8:00am-3:00pm. To schedule an appointment call 573-785-8478

For more information visit the Butler County Missouri Website https://www.butlercountyhealth.org/ on line or visit their office at
Butler County Health Department
1619 North Main
Poplar Bluff, MO  63901.