Frequently Asked Questions (PrEP)

Read the frequently asked questions below to find out what PrEP is, how it works, and how to access the MI-PrEP service before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions (PrEP) Image

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that attacks the part of the body that fights infection and illness. If HIV is not treated, it can seriously damage the body over time.

HIV is passed from person to person through blood or sexual fluids. The most common ways HIV is transmitted are through sex without a condom.

HIV is not passed through everyday contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food, or being near someone who coughs or sneezes.

There is no cure for HIV, but there is very effective treatment. People living with HIV who take their medicine every day can live long and healthy lives, and cannot pass HIV on to others.

What you need to know about PrEP

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about PrEP, including what it is, how it works, and whether it is right for you.

  • PrEP is a medicine that stops you from getting HIV. When taken correctly, it is up to 99% effective.

    PrEP is for people who do not have HIV. You need to start taking it before you are exposed to HIV.

    If you think you have already been exposed to HIV, contact one of these services:

    • HIV Information Line: 1300 56 52 57
    • PEP Hotline: 1300 767 161

    PEP is a different medicine that can prevent HIV if you take it within 72 hours of exposure.

  • MI-PrEP (pronounced “MY-PREP”) stands for Medicare Ineligible PrEP. It is a free service that provides PrEP to people who do not have Medicare. This includes people on working visas, student visas, temporary visas, or any other visa that does not include Medicare.

    MI-PrEP is not a different medicine. It is the same PrEP medicine, provided through a special program. The service is offered by Royal Perth Hospital and South Terrace Clinic.

    When you call to make an appointment, ask for a MI-PrEP appointment.

  • You may benefit from PrEP if any of the following apply to you:

    • You are a man who has sex with men
    • You are gay or bisexual
    • You inject drugs and sometimes share needles or equipment
    • You come from a country where HIV is common
    • You are travelling to a country where HIV is common
    • You are not always able to use condoms

    If you are not sure, take the short eligibility survey on this website to find out if PrEP is right for you. Your doctor will also help you.

    You should NOT take PrEP if you already have HIV.

  • There are two ways to take PrEP. Your doctor will help you choose the right one for you.

    Daily PrEP – Take one pill every day at the same time. This is the most common way to take PrEP and works for everyone.

    On-demand PrEP (also called 2-1-1) – This option is only for men who have sex with men. Instead of taking a pill every day, you take PrEP only when you need it:

    • Take 2 pills between 2 and 24 hours before sex
    • Take 1 pill 24 hours after the first dose
    • Take 1 pill 24 hours after that

    The easy way to remember this is: 2 – 1 – 1

    If you keep having sex, continue taking one pill every day until two days after your last sexual activity.

    You can find more information here: https://endinghiv.org.au/blog/prep-on-demand-dosing-guide/

  • If you qualify for MI-PrEP, you can collect your medicine for free from the pharmacy at Fremantle Hospital or Royal Perth Hospital. If you do not live in Perth, the pharmacy can post it to you.

    You can also get PrEP from other pharmacies, but you will need to pay for it yourself.

  • The MI-PrEP service is completely free.

    Your doctor’s appointment is free. Your blood tests are free. Your PrEP prescription is free.

  • No. You do not need Medicare to use this service.

    Most people in Australia need Medicare to get PrEP at a low cost through the government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

    The MI-PrEP program is designed for people who do not have Medicare. It gives you access to PrEP for free.

  • No. Taking PrEP will not affect your visa.

    PrEP is a prevention medicine, not a treatment for an ongoing illness. It is taken by people who do not have HIV. It is not counted as a significant health cost under Australian immigration rules, so it will not affect your visa application or status.

  • PrEP is available across Australia. However the PrEP West Medicare Ineligible PrEP (MI-PrEP) service is only available to people living in Western Australia. This includes both Perth and regional areas of Western Australia.

    If you are from another state in Australia and are interested in accessing PrEP, speak to your local GP or sexual health clinic to find out how to access PrEP in your state.

  • No. PrEP only protects against HIV. It does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or syphilis. PrEP does not protect against other blood-borne viriuses like hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

    To protect yourself from other sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses, you should also:

    • Use condoms when you have sex
    • Use new needles and equipment if you inject drugs