Demand for the ground-breaking HIV prevention medication PrEP in Bendigo is growing.
Our sexual health clinic staff are seeing more consumers seeking the medication in recent weeks.
Men's health nurse practitoner Peter Strange is credentialled to prescribe PrEP.
PrEP was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in April making the drug more affordable and accessible to Victorians.
Evidence shows that when taken daily PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 99 per cent.
Together with condoms, frequent and regular sexual health screening and effective treatments for people living with HIV, Victorians have more resources than ever to prevent HIV.
Peter said people could visit the men's health or sexual health clinics to receive the PrEP medication.
"People who visit us for PrEP can expect more than just getting the medication - support and quality care should be much more than that," Peter says.
"It's really important to provide a comprehensive assessment which includes information, advice and options around PrEP and things such as testing for STIs to ensures people remain healthy and have peace of mind.
"People who receive PrEP at BCHS will be offered assessment for their kidney and liver function, hepatitis status, bone health and general physical condition.
"Ongoing STI assessment is very important as PrEP only prevents HIV and people are still at risk of getting other STIs.
"Discussion around mental health issues and side effects of PrEP which are very infrequent complete the first consulation".
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT: Call us on 5448 1600 to book an appointment at our clinic to receive PrEP.
Bendigo Community Health Services was part of a ground-breaking PrEPX trial in conjuncton with Alfred Health and Victorian AIDS Council in 2017.
The PrEPX study helped more than 4000 Victorians including more than 20 from the Bendigo region to access the HIV prevention medication.
Eliminating new HIV transmissions by 2020 is one of the goals of the PrEPX trial.
More information on PrEP can be found at the Victorian AIDS Council website: https://vac.org.au/hiv-aids/pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep
Last updated: May 2019.