- Use health insurance or another program to pay for the medicine and medical care.
- Get tested every 3 months for HIV, STIs (infections you can get from sex), and other blood tests.
- Take the medicine the way your doctor tells you to.
Protect yourself from HIV
Explore different options to protect yourself from HIV. From a daily pill to long-acting injections, CHN can help create a plan that works for you regardless of insurance or immigration status.
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What Is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a once-daily pill that protects people who do not have HIV from getting it. It’s safe, effective, and available to people of all genders and sexual orientations.
| Compare by | Daily pills | Apretude (injection) | Yeztugo (injection) | On-demand pills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Truvada or generic F/TDF. Descovy F/TAF | Cabotegravir long-acting shot | Lenacapavir long-acting shot | F/TDF taken only around sex on a 2-1-1 schedule |
| Dosing | 1 pill every day | 2 starter shots 1 month apart, then every 2 months | Starter doses, then every 6 months | 2 pills 2 to 24 hours before sex, 1 pill 24 hours later, 1 pill 48 hours after the first dose. If sex continues, keep taking 1 pill daily until 2 days after last sex |
| Starts protecting | Anal sex about 7 days of daily use. Vaginal sex about 21 days of daily use | Stay on schedule. Time to max protection not defined | Stay on schedule. Time to max protection not defined | For anal sex only when taken exactly as directed |
| HIV testing | At least every 3 months | Test before each injection | Test before each injection | At least every 3 months |
| Age and weight | Adults and adolescents 77 lb or more | Adults and adolescents 77 lb or more | Adults and adolescents 77 lb or more | Adults and adolescents 77 lb or more |
| Key notes | Descovy is not indicated for people at risk from receptive vaginal sex | Keeping injection visits on time is important | FDA-approved twice-yearly PrEP option | Off-label per CDC. Not for vaginal sex |
PrEP options at CHN
Compare daily pills, long-acting injectables, and on-demand dosing. Speak to a CHN provider to explore which PrEP option is right for you.
Why Take PrEP?
Reduces the risk of getting HIV by over 90%
Helps you feel confident and in control of your sexual health
Lets you enjoy sex without fear or shame
Who Can Use PrEP?
In New York, anyone 13 or older can take PrEP. It’s a great option for anyone who wants added protection, regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status.
What’s Required?
To stay protected on PrEP, you’ll need to:
Take the pill exactly as prescribed
Get tested every 3 months for HIV and STIs
Use insurance or a support program to cover the cost
To get PrEP, you need to:
