PrEP for HIV
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a once-daily medication you can take to reduce your chance of getting HIV. PrEP is recommended for anyone at an elevated risk for HIV based on several risk factors.
Risk factors that may make PrEP a good idea
If any of the following risk factors apply to you, PrEP may be a good option to discuss with the clinic team.
HIV-positive partner
You have a partner who is HIV-positive.
Multiple partners
You or your partner have multiple partners and have anal sex without a condom.
Unknown status
You have partners whose HIV status is unknown and condoms are not used.
Injection drug use
Injection drug use is one of the listed risk factors for PrEP.
Sex work
Sex work is among the listed risk factors for PrEP.
Recent bacterial STI
A recent bacterial STI in men who have sex with men is a listed risk factor.
A once-daily medication
PrEP is a daily medication that reduces the chance of getting HIV by about 99% when taken as prescribed every day. It is a preventive regimen intended for people who are not currently living with HIV.
- Take one dose every day for the medication to work as intended.
- Ongoing HIV testing and follow-up are part of starting PrEP.
- PrEP Navigators are available to assist with questions, expectations, and costs.
Ask about PrEP at the Boston STD Clinic
Counselors and PrEP Navigators are available to answer questions about eligibility, costs, and next steps.
Telephone
Location
Shapiro Building, 9th floor, Suite 9C
725 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a preventive approach for people who may be at increased risk of HIV. Taken as directed, PrEP can help reduce the chance of acquiring HIV. Because individual circumstances vary, the clinic team can discuss whether PrEP is appropriate, review relevant risk factors, and explain how the medication fits into a broader prevention plan that may include testing and other protective strategies.
Several patterns can prompt a conversation about PrEP, including having an HIV-positive partner or having multiple partners in situations where condom use is inconsistent. Other considerations may involve recent bacterial STI diagnoses, injection drug use, or a partner who injects drugs and shares equipment. A private, judgment-free discussion helps the clinic understand your circumstances and determine which prevention options best match your needs.
Confidential HIV testing is an important part of preventive care. Screening can identify whether a person already has HIV, which changes the recommendation for PrEP and supports early connection to treatment. People who test negative may still be eligible for PrEP or post-exposure prophylaxis, depending on timing and risk. Regular screening also helps detect other sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
The clinic provides preventive services in a clinical setting with staff who can review symptoms, medical history, and personal risk factors. Appointments may be scheduled for people who want to discuss HIV prevention, testing, or related concerns, and walk-in options may be available during certain hours. Learning about PrEP, PEP, and other prevention strategies can make it easier to take proactive steps toward maintaining sexual health.
Walk-in Testing
Mon–Fri 9:00am–3:00pm
Wednesday until 7:00pm
PrEP is not a substitute for condoms or other prevention methods, and staff speak Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, and additional languages through an interpreter phone.
Ready to talk about PrEP?
Walk-ins are welcome during testing hours, and appointments are encouraged.