PReP is an HIV prevention option that allows people to protect their health!
In July 2019, a youth PReP bill passed allowing youth in the state of IL to be tested and treated without notification being sent home to parents. What does this mean? For youth that are sexually active and think they are at risk for contracting HIV, they can now be prescribed PReP.
"PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a pill for HIV-negative people who are especially vulnerable to getting HIV. Taken daily, PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV.” - prep4love.com
Most insurances, including Medicaid, will cover the PReP medication. There are also payment assistance programs available for people who are uninsured, or do not want to use their insurance. Specifically, youth in IL can visit prep4illinois.com to have the costs of their medication covered.
Fun fact: adolescent approval for the medication is based on weight, not age. A person must be at least 77 lbs in order to be prescribed PReP.
Most medical providers can prescribe the medication options, Truvada and Descovey.
Click here (link https://www.aidschicago.org/i-need/prep/prep-clinics-and-providers) to access a provider list in IL.
To wrap it up, here is a list of what PReP does not do:
· It does not guarantee 100% protection from HIV
· It does not cure HIV
· It does not function as a treatment for someone currently living with HIV
· It does not prevent pregnancy
· It does not protect a person against other STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia
Looking for additional PReP resources? We’ve got you covered!
For more extensive information: prep4love.com
Want to introduce PReP to the youth you work with? Watch this Anaconda parody that introduces PReP to young people: https://vimeo.com/322046954
What is PRep?:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR8-3uAuZGo and https://www.youtube.com/watchtime_continue=30&v=GYmZwmDZGQo&feature=emb_title
PReP 101 (English and Spanish): https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/library/factsheets/prep101-consumer-info.pdf
Information adapted from Project RSP: (link to: https://www.aidschicago.org/page/our-work/capacity-building/project-rsp )