Talking to Kids about PrEP and PEP
Today’s Blog Post was written by our Talk More Intern, Annika Detweiler
The way we talk about HIV in public health has changed over the last decade or so. What once was a deadly disease that killed millions of people, has now become a chronic illness that many live with everyday. This is in part due to the advancements in medicines, drugs, and testing for HIV, along with methods for preventing new HIV diagnoses. These medicines include PrEP and PEP. Let’s break those meds down now, so you’ll have the tools to talk with your kids about them.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and is a medication taken for those at risk of contracting HIV and is given PRIOR to HIV exposure. PEP, which is short for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is medication a person can take AFTER possible exposure to HIV, typically within 72 hours. Both of these medications are for persons NOT living with HIV.
PrEP is recommended for people who are at risk of getting HIV, including injection drug users and those having sex with someone living with HIV. A person who takes PEP may not be living with HIV and was exposed, including through sex with a person living with HIV, during an assault, during IV drug use, or through occupational exposures (NIH, 2021).
PrEP and PEP can be effective methods of preventing HIV infection when taken appropriately, and as prescribed by a doctor. Even though these medications are effective at the potential reduction of new HIV diagnoses, it is still really important to utilize condoms and other barrier methods (such as dental dams) to prevent exposure to HIV and other STIs during any and all sexual activity.
When talking with your kids, it is important to remember some key messages. Especially since the way we understand and talk about HIV has changed a lot since we were young. Here are some common PrEP and PEP myths that we'd like to debunk:
PrEP and PEP are only for gay men. False. Despite what many commercials and billboards say, PrEP and PEP can be used by anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender, as long as you speak with a healthcare provider to make sure you are safe to use it, and qualify, per the guidelines.
PrEP can only be taken by adults. False.er the CDC, “PrEP is approved for use by adolescents without HIV who weigh at least 77 pounds and who are at risk for getting HIV from sex or injection drug use” (CDC, 2022).
If I start taking PrEP, I don’t need to use condoms anymore during sexual activity. False. Yes, PrEP does prevent HIV, but not other STIs. Therefore, it is still incredibly important to keep using condoms or other barrier methods.
PrEP and PEP are too expensive and will not be covered by insurance. False.
Per the CDC, “most Insurance plans and State Medicaid programs cover PrEP” and if it is not, check out these organizations/resources that can help with the cost: Gilead, ViiVConnect and to learn more about what parts are covered check out Nastad (CDC, 2022).
Per CDC, if you are being prescribed PEP after a sexual assault, check this out because they may be able to pay for parts or all of the medical care and medications associated. If you are prescribed PEP for another reason, per the CDC: “your health care provider can apply for free PEP medicines through the medication assistance programs run by PEP manufacturers,” especially if you are having insurance issues (CDC, 2022).
Many people are confused about how to discuss PrEP and PEP (or still may not even know they exist!) Talk More hopes this information really helps clear the muddied waters of what PrEP and PEP are, as we aim to reduce stigma and provide suggested talking points for your kids. If you have questions regarding HIV and possibly preventing exposure, Talk More recommends you talk to a trusted medical professional. To find a provider that prescribes PrEP, check this out.
References:
CDC. (2022, July). Now’s The Time to Find out About PrEP and PEP. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stophivtogether/library/topics/prevention/brochures/cdc-lsht-prevention-brochure-nows-the-time-patient.pdf
NIH. (2021, August 10). Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) | NIH. Hivinfo.nih.gov. https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep