What if You've Potentially Been Exposed to HIV

What can I do if I've potentially been exposed to HIV?
You can  take PEP to kill HIV before it has a chance to cause infection.

What is PEP?
PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) is a procedure to prevent HIV infection in the event of a risky exposure to HIV. PEP involves taking medications that kill HIV before it has a chance to cause infection.

• PEP is only for people who were just exposed to HIV and do not already have it.
• PEP combines three HIV drugs (pills) that you take for four weeks. Some HIV drugs may not be safe for pregnant women.  Tell the health care worker if you may be pregnant so that they know which drugs to give you.

Does PEP work?
While PEP has not been proven to work for all high-risk exposures, evidence from studies demonstrates that PEP, when given in a timely manner, can dramatically reduce the risk of HIV infection.

When do I start PEP?
If you have been exposed to HIV, go to an emergency room or clinic right away.  St.  Vincents' Emergency Department is located on 7th Avenue between 11th and 12th Streets.  Our clinic is located at 203 W. 12th Street.

• You should start PEP within two hours of your exposure and generally no later than 36 hours..

What should I know before I start PEP?
When you go to the hospital or clinic, you will be asked to have an HIV test. Taking an HIV test at this time will let you and your health care worker know if you already have HIV.  You may be eligible for support provided by the New York City Department of Health for services provided through our outpatient program.

St. Vincent's Hospital
St. Vincents Hospital Manhattan has been committed to providing service to people with HIV and AIDS for many years in the tradition of caring and support pioneered by our institution in 1849. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, our facilities offer access to PEP  24 hours a day, seven days a week through our Emergency Department and outpatient program. For evening and weekend services, the Emergency Department is located on 7th Avenue between 11th and 12th Streets.  For services during regular business hours, the outpatient program is housed within our O'Toole building at 203 W. 12thStreet. For immediate information please contact our nPEP program at (212) 604-1777.

To learn more about PEP and HIV and AIDS:

• Call the New York State HIV/AIDS Information Line:
• 1-800-541-AIDS (English)
• 1-800-233-SIDA (Español)