Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who do not have HIV to help prevent HIV infection.

There are various ways of taking PrEP

• Daily Oral Pill 
• Long-Acting Injection (Every 2 months) 
• Biannual Injection (new, every 6 months)

When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, PrEP can help stop the virus from establishing a permanent infection. When used consistently, PrEP has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at substantial risk. PrEP is much less effective when it is not taken consistently.

PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool, and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone.

While the Monterey County Health Department does not endorse specific medical providers or facilities, there are currently several medical providers in Monterey County who offer PrEP services. Their contact information is listed below. Please be advised that these are private facilities. They may not accept all insurances, and payment for uncovered services will likely be expected. Not all providers at the clinics below offer PrEP services; please request the physicians listed below. Please contact the facility directly to make an appointment and discuss payment options.

• Planned Parenthood Mar Monte – Seaside Office, 625 Hilby Ave., Seaside, CA 93955, 831-394-1619
• Planned Parenthood Mar Monte – Salinas Office, 316 North Main St., Salinas 93901, 831-758-8261
• David Keller, MD, Montage Medical Group,  2 Upper Ragsdale Drive, Building A, Monterey, CA 93940, 831-333-3040
• Jose Pauda, MD, Natividad Medical Group-Sanborn, 323 N Sanborn Rd Suite E., Salinas, 93905 Phone (831) 751-6200
• Valle Verde Medical Group, 1332 Natividad Rd., #C, Salinas, CA 93906, Phone (831) 754-1544

For a directory of other PrEP providers, visit Please Prep Me.

To Learn more about PrEP visit the CDC's PrEP page.