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PrEP and PEP
PrEP and PEP are for those who do not have HIV, but may be at risk of contracting the virus. Via Care is committed to preventing HIV in our community through PrEP and PEP navigation, health education, and risk reduction counseling.
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Services are LGBTQ+ friendly, and Spanish speakers are on staff. All are welcome.
Medications for HIV-negative individuals both before HIV exposure (PrEP) and emergency treatment to reduce the chances of becoming infected with HIV after exposure (PEP) are now available in California without a physician’s prescription for the first 60 days. Via Care Pharmacy offers prescriptions for PrEP and PEP.
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What is PrEP?
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PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a pill taken daily by anyone who is HIV-negative and at high risk for getting HIV.
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PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of getting HIV by up to 99% when taken daily.
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PrEP is a course of medication called Truvada, which contains two antiretroviral medicines that interfere with HIV’s ability to take hold in the body if exposed to the HIV virus.
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Follow-up appointments for blood draws and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are done every three months.
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PrEP can be continued as long as there is high risk for contracting HIV.
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What is High Risk?
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Having receptive anal sex (bottoming) and receptive vaginal sex without a condom.
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Having insertive anal sex (topping) and insertive vaginal sex without a condom.
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Inconsistent condom use.
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Having sex with multiple and/or anonymous partners.
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Sharing injection drug equipment.
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What is PEP?
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PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency treatment taken within 72 hours of exposure to HIV.
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PEP is taken for 28 days after the potential exposure to HIV.
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HIV tests are conducted before and after the 28-day treatment.

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PrEP and PEP Services
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PrEP Navigation
Navigators are assigned to people on or interested in PrEP. Navigators ensure individuals get medication, attend 3-month follow-ups, and receive support to stay HIV and STI negative. Navigators also assist with health insurance enrollment, patience assistance program enrollment, and linkage to other support services.
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PEP Navigation
Navigators also provide PEP to individuals potentially exposed to HIV. Navigators conduct a rapid HIV test, provide medication, and schedule a follow-up visit after the 28-day pill treatment. Individuals who take PEP may also benefit from PrEP Navigation.


Via Care accepts all patients regardless of insurance or financial status. Via Care offers a sliding fee discount schedule to all patients for all of our services. We also accept various forms of insurance.
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See a PrEP and PEP Navigator at Via Care
For more information about PrEP and PEP or speak to one of our PrEP and PEP Navigators, please call (323) 825-8310 or email vcpepprep@viacarela.org.
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