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West

  • PrEP is actually a generic term that stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis.

    But don’t let the technical term scare you, using sunscreen and getting your flu shot are both examples of pre-exposure prophylaxis you may already use.

    In the context of HIV, PrEP refers to safe and effective prescription drugs that can be taken by people who are HIV-negative to prevent getting infected with HIV.

    Two different Kinds of PrEP for HIV Prevention

    There are two kinds of PrEP for HIV prevention. One is oral PrEP (taking a pill) and the other is an injectable version (getting a shot). There are two types of oral PrEP and two types of injectable PrEP. Talk with your healthcare provider about which type of PrEP is best for you.

    All PrEP options, when taken consistently and correctly, are up to 99% effective.

    The version of PrEP that involves pill taking usually means taking one pill every day, but there are different dosing options available that involve less pill taking. Different dosing options can be discussed with your healthcare provider.

    If you choose one of the injectable versions of PrEP, there are two different options to consider. One option involves shots every two months, the other involves shots every six months.

    Check out our blogpost “Daily, On-Demand, or Injectable: The Many Forms of PrEP Explained” for more details. Your healthcare provider will als share more detailed info.

    People choose when to start and stop PrEP based on their behaviors and needs for HIV protection. In close consultation with your healthcare provider, PrEP may be safely started, stopped, and re-started as your behaviors and needs change over time.

    We highly recommend talking with your healthcare provider about any changes you want to make regarding your PrEP use. We do not advise doing PrEP on your own - a team approach is best!

    PrEP is more than a prescription drug.

    Beyond taking pills or getting shots, PrEP is a comprehensive program that includes meeting with your provider, regular HIV/STI testing, and access to other important support services.

    FDA-Approved

    Large clinical trials involving thousands of people from all over the world—including people of different ages, races/ethnicities, and genders—have proven that the different PrEP options are safe and effective. The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved all oral and injectable PrEP options.

    Additional Info and Helpful Tips

    • Click here for more information on PrEP from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    • Click here for information on PrEP via HIV.gov.

    • Click here for PrEP4Teens tips on having conversations with your healthcare provider about PrEP and your sexual health.

    • Illinois has an HIV/AIDS hotline which you can call for answers to your questions about HIV and STIs. Call 800-243-2437.

  • There is no age requirement for being prescribed PrEP for HIV prevention. However, you must weigh at least 77 lbs and be HIV-negative to be prescribed PrEP.

    Both kinds of PrEP—pills and shots—have been approved for HIV-negative adults and young people who are sexually active.

    In the United States, approximately 20% of newly diagnosed HIV infections are among people who are between 13- and 24-years-old. If you are having sex or injecting drugs, you may be interested in PrEP to prevent HIV.

    You might choose PrEP if:

    • You’re HIV-negative and interested in PrEP.

    • You don’t always use condoms (external or internal) when you have anal or vaginal intercourse.

    • You don’t always ask your partner(s) to wear a condom.

    • You have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (like syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea) in the last six months.

    • You’re unsure of the HIV status of your sexual partners.

    • You’re in a relationship with an HIV-positive partner who may or may not be on HIV treatment.

    • You are a person who injects drugs, or you’re in a sexual relationship with an injection drug user.

  • Any medication you take carries the possibility of side effects–PrEP is no different.

    Both the pills and the shots may have some short-term side effects. All PrEP options are considered very safe. Most people don’t notice any side effects, but a small percentage of folks may experience headaches, nausea, or diarrhea when they begin taking pills or getting shots. These symptoms tend to go away quickly. For folks who choose one of the two injectable PrEP options - meaning getting shots - they may experience pain, redness, or swelling at the site of injection. There are different things to consider with each kind of injectable PrEP - your healthcare provider can discuss these with you.

    Your healthcare provider will conduct check-ups regularly to keep track of how you are doing, and that includes addressing side effects.

Midwest

  • Read through the FAQs on the PrEP4Teens website, and check out our blogpost “Daily, On-Demand, or Injectable: The Many Forms of PrEP Explained” for more details. You can also c visit our Instagram to help you with the basics of PrEP. You don’t need to become an expert, but it’s good to have some background info.

  • Are you interested in taking a pill on a regular basis? What about getting a shot every few months? Which option might be the best fit for your life? What questions do you have about each kind of PrEP? Jot down some notes so you can share your opinions and questions with your healthcare provider. And be sure to check out our blogpost “Daily, On-Demand, or Injectable: The Many Forms of PrEP Explained.”

  • Any healthcare provider who can write a prescription can write one for PrEP. It’s important for your healthcare provider to know about what is involved when taking PrEP, including how to support all your sexual health and wellness needs.

    It’s important to have a provider who is friendly, easy to talk to, and comfortable working with teens representing all races, ethnicities, gender identities and sexual orientations.

    Click here to check out the PrEP4Teens list of PrEP providers in Chicago who specifically serve teens. Inclusion in the list is not an endorsement or a recommendation from the PrEP4Teens project.

Northeast

  • If your primary language isn’t English, it may be important to check online and see if the provider you’ve chosen can communicate with you. You may also consider bringing a friend or family member along who could help translate. There are even different apps that support translation needs—and many clinics have translations, too. Call in advance to see what’s available!

  • As a teen, sometimes your options may feel limited. Determining the people among your family and friends you feel comfortable discussing PrEP with is a good start to making a plan. Deciding which doctor or clinic you want to check out, and thinking about your plan for getting there, can help boost your confidence. If you’d like, you can bring a friend or family member to your appointment.

  • Most insurance plans fully cover all costs related to PrEP, and so will most state Medicaid programs. PrEP costs include the prescription, doctor visits, regular HIV and STI testing, and other medical support.

    If you’re comfortable asking your parents about your insurance, they can help you navigate this. Don’t want your parents to know? No problem. Your provider can help you figure out how you can access PrEP. When you set up your appointment, just be sure to let your provider know your financial considerations and concerns, such as whether you are insured, or whether you want to use your insurance.

South

  • Any healthcare provider who can write a prescription can write one for PrEP. It’s important for your healthcare provider to know about what is involved when taking PrEP, including how to support all your sexual health and wellness needs.

    It’s important to have a provider who is friendly, easy to talk to, and comfortable working with teens representing all races, ethnicities, gender identities and sexual orientations.

    Click here to check out the PrEP4Teens list of PrEP providers in Chicago who specifically serve teens. Inclusion in the list is not an endorsement or a recommendation from the PrEP4Teens project.

  • Whenever you see a healthcare provider, it is helpful to make a health history list. A list like this includes any major illness or surgery you may have had, and any current condition or concern, like ongoing allergies. It is also helpful to include current medications you may be taking. With this information, your provider is better prepared to help you with all your healthcare needs.

  • Most insurance plans fully cover all costs related to PrEP, and so will most state Medicaid programs. PrEP costs include the prescription, doctor visits, regular HIV and STI testing, and other medical support.

    If you’re comfortable asking your parents about your insurance, they can help you navigate this. Don’t want your parents to know? No problem. Your provider can help you figure out how you can access PrEP. When you set up your appointment, just be sure to let your provider know your financial considerations and concerns, such as whether you are insured, or whether you want to use your insurance.

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