New York State Department of Health Announces PrEP Aware Week Promoting Benefits of Sexual Health Across One's Lifespan

PrEP Aware Week Runs from October 21 to October 27

This Year's Theme is: "PrEP for All Ages"

Download the PrEP Aware Week Social Media Toolkit

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 21, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health today announced the start of PrEP Aware Week, an annual awareness campaign to promote sexual health and HIV awareness and prevention. The awareness week starts today and runs through October 27. This year's theme is, "PrEP for All Ages," redefining what it means for individuals to take ownership of their health, whether they're older or younger.

"PrEP Aware Week empowers New Yorkers at any state of life to take control of their sexual health," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "PrEP is a safe and effective medication that prevents transmission of HIV and brings New York State one step closer to ending the HIV epidemic."

PrEP Aware Week is a public health education campaign in New York State that promotes the routine use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection. This year's campaign features eight ambassadors from across the state that represent the diverse experiences of New Yorkers and of those that can benefit from PrEP.

During PrEP Aware Week, there will be a series of in-person and virtual events and activities, with the goal of boosting awareness and knowledge of PrEP among high priority populations. A social media toolkit is available for organizations and individuals interested in promoting the benefits of PrEP.

PrEP is 99 percent effective at preventing sexual transmission of HIV and is safe, widely available, and affordable for people who are HIV negative. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two types of medications for PrEP for HIV, which have little to no side effects: the oral medications Truvada and Descovy and the injectable medication Apretude.

The New York State Clinical Guidelines Program offers clinicians up to date practice recommendations for PrEP for HIV Prevention and Sexual Health and individuals seeking these medications should consult with their medical provider about which one would be ideal for them, or they can find a PrEP provider here.

Medicaid and most insurance plans cover all costs for PrEP, which include appointment fees, lab tests and medication. Medicare now also covers PrEP medications and related services including counseling, HIV and Hepatitis B screening with no cost-sharing, such as deductibles or co-pays, for Medicare Part B beneficiaries if their provider accepts assignment. This means that if an individual who is enrolled in Medicare Part B gets PrEP drugs at a pharmacy there is no out-of-pocket cost. Additionally, the Department offers a PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP), which includes information about payment options, and drug manufacturers offer assistance as well.

New York State continues to remove barriers to PrEP access. Legislation signed this year by Governor Hochul prohibits insurers from discriminating against people who were prescribed PrEP, prohibits insurers from utilizing prior authorization for coverage of PrEP medications and prohibits insurers from imposing copayments for PrEP.

The PrEP Aware Week campaign is funded through the Department's AIDS Institute, which is committed to eliminating transmission and improving the health and wellbeing of persons living with HIV, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections, individuals who use drugs, and LGBTQ+ people.