Ready for the next best thing? Injectable PrEP is now available at our Harlem and 17th Street health centers
April 29, 2022
The Institute is excited to offer injectable PrEP (cabotegravir) as an additional choice for HIV prevention. Patients can now choose between taking PrEP as a pill or an injection to prevent HIV.
“We are excited to be able to offer an additional HIV prevention method, which we see as another step towards ending the HIV epidemic,” said Antar Bush, the program director of the Institute’s COMPASS program. “We are also one of the first health centers in New York City to offer social services and support that is specially tailored for people who are taking injectable PrEP.”
What is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is medication to prevent HIV. If you are HIV-negative, PrEP can help you stay that way. If you take it correctly, PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV. There are now two ways you can take PrEP. You can take it as a pill once a day, or as an injection that you can get once every 1-2 months.
How to get started with injectable PrEP
To get injectable PrEP, you will need to come to the health center to get your shot. You will get your first dose, and then another dose one month later, and then one shot every two months. This form of PrEP can be a great option if you don’t like taking a pill every day. If you are interested in getting started with PrEP injections, call or text our PrEP Coordinator at (917) 658-9716 to make your appointment.
If you would prefer to take PrEP as a pill, our staff can help you get started. Once you get your PrEP pills, it’s important to remember to take your pill every day.
Not sure which method is right for you? We can help you decide.
Our staff is pleased to offer an affirming environment where you can learn more about PrEP and other ways to help prevent HIV. Call or text our PrEP Coordinator at (917) 658-9716 to make an appointment with one of our PrEP care navigators, who can talk about which option might be right for you.
