PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a pill that can be taken before sexual activity to reduce the risk of getting HIV. It is free to anyone who needs it – you do not need to live in Oxfordshire and it doesn’t matter what your immigration status is.
Had sex without a condom in the last 72 hours and worried about HIV?
PEPSE (post-exposure prophylaxis after sexual exposure), also known as PEP, is medication that you can take after sex to reduce your risk of getting HIV. It needs to be taken as soon as possible. See PEPSE for more information.New to PrEP? Use our self-check tool
Anyone who is sexually active might be at risk of getting HIV. People who might be at higher risk of HIV include:
- people who have anal sex without a condom, and their partners
- people with partners from countries where HIV is more common (that is, countries where more than 1% of the population are living with HIV); view a map showing prevalence of HIV by country
- people who have had an STI in the last 12 months
- people who have used PEPSE (post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) before
- people who have sex in exchange for money or other gifts
- people who use recreational drugs with sex or have group sex
Answer the questions in our self-check tool to see if PrEP is right for you:
How to get PrEP
To ask about PrEP, book an appointment at any of our clinics or come to a drop-in session at the Oxford (Churchill Hospital) clinic.
We will talk to you about your PrEP need, ask about other medical conditions and medications, and explain how to use PrEP. You will have some simple blood tests and can start PrEP on the same day.
Already take PrEP / buy PrEP online?
We can monitor your blood tests and carry out STI screening for you. If you buy PrEP online, please also talk to us about getting PrEP for free from our service instead.
Is PrEP safe?
Yes, PrEP is a very safe medication, and has very few interactions with other drugs.