29 January 26

Ending HIV

Wanna Yarn About PrEP?

Learn more about the pill that prevents HIV and how Mob can get PrEP if they want to use it.

Looking after your sexual health is part of looking after yourself, your partners and your community. PrEP is one option that can help prevent HIV. It’s easy to access in NSW in ways that are private and culturally safe. PrEP is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at low or no cost through the Closing the Gap PBS program.

What is PrEP?

PrEP is short for pre-exposure prophylaxis. When taken properly, PrEP protects you from sexual transmission of HIV. But it doesn’t protect you from other STIs (sexually transmitted infections) such as syphilis or chlamydia.

Condoms and regular sexual health check-ups can help keep you well.

Who should use PrEP?

PrEP can be useful for people who want extra protection from HIV. There are little to no side effects for most people.

PrEP can be a good option for gay, bi+, trans, sistergirl and brotherboy First Nations mob. Anyone can choose to take PrEP if it’s right for them.

Sexual health doesn’t have to be shame. Looking after your body is a strong and positive choice. Taking PrEP can help ease worries about getting HIV and give you one less thing to stress about.

If you’re not sure if PrEP is for you, that’s OK. You have a right to make an informed choice, without pressure or judgment, and to be supported in a culturally safe way. As a first step, ask your health worker or doctor.

Getting PrEP

To start PrEP, you’ll need a HIV test first. This is important because PrEP is only used if you don’t already have HIV.

HIV testing and getting a prescription

HIV testing is free in NSW at:

• Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS)
• many bulk-billing GP clinics
• public sexual health clinics
• a[TEST] clinics
• Kaleido Health.

Aboriginal Medical Services

An AMS is a community-controlled service that provides free, culturally safe care for First Nations mob, including for sexual health.

AMS clinics can:

• arrange free HIV and STI testing
• talk through whether PrEP is right for you
• prescribe PrEP
• help you access the Closing the Gap (CTG) PBS program, which can make PrEP cheaper.

Bulk-billing GP

You can also go to any GP. When you book your appointment, ask for a doctor who is familiar with PrEP.

If you feel comfortable, you can let them know you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. They can then register you for CTG support.

Sexual health clinics

Public sexual health clinics across NSW are:

• free
• confidential
• very experienced with PrEP.

You don’t need a referral to go to a sexual health clinic.

While you can get tested for free at all public sexual health clinics, not all can book you in for PrEP prescriptions. If you can, call the clinic first to check.

Kaleido Health (ACON’s health centre)

Kaleido Health Centre in Eveleigh, Sydney, is run by ACON and provides LGBTQI+-affirming care.

Kaleido is a good option for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people because:

• some doctors also work in AMS and understand culturally safe care
• they can prescribe PrEP using CTG scripts
• they bulk-bill appointments for PrEP scripts.

Picking up your PrEP

Once you have your script, you can get PrEP from your local chemist. If you have trouble finding a chemist near you who stocks PrEP, get in touch with us, and we can help.

Using the Closing the Gap PBS program for PrEP

The CTG PBS co-payment program covers prescription medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

If your doctor writes your PrEP prescription under CTG, it will cost less from the chemist. Through CTG, it will only cost you $7.70 for 30 pills.

If you also have a concession or healthcare card, your PrEP may be free.

This option isn’t always talked about. You might need to raise it at your appointment. If that feels uncomfortable, you can ask an Aboriginal Health Worker to come with you to your appointment at an AMS or sexual health clinic. They can advocate with you for free or cheaper PrEP.

Taking PrEP

There’s more than one way to take PrEP. This can change over time and that’s OK. Your doctor or nurse can help you decide what works best for you.

Daily PrEP

Daily PrEP means taking one pill, every day.

This option suits most people, especially if you:

• can’t always plan when sex might happen
• work well with a daily routine.

On-demand (2-1-1) PrEP

On-demand PrEP is only recommended for some people, mainly:

• cisgender men
• some trans people.

It involves:

• 2 pills between 2 and 24 hours before sex
• 1 pill 24 hours later
• 1 pill 48 hours later.

This option isn’t for everyone. You might prefer it if you have sex once or less per week, or plan when you have sex, like on weekends.

Your doctor or a PrEP-experienced health professional can help you decide what’s best.

Keep up your check-ups

Once you’re taking PrEP, a check-up every 3 months helps make sure everything is working well for your body. These visits help make sure:

• you still don’t have HIV
• your kidneys are healthy
• you’re checked for STIs
• your script is renewed.

These checkups are free at:

• your local AMS
• many bulk-billing GP clinics
• some public sexual health clinics
• Kaleido Health.

Get care that works for you

Starting PrEP is about choice, knowledge and looking after your health in a way that feels right for you.

Whether you go to an AMS, a sexual health clinic, Kaleido Health or your local GP, you deserve:

• clear information
• culturally safe, respectful care
• access to affordable medicine.

If you need support, an Aboriginal Health Worker, sexual health nurse or GP who knows about PrEP can help you take the next step.