New York State’s End the Epidemic - HIV/AIDS Plan and PrEP Guidelines

The End the Epidemic program seeks to significantly reduce the number of new HIV diagnoses and increase the number of individuals filling prescriptions for PrEP.

End the Epidemic’s three-point plan includes:

1. Identifying persons with HIV who remain undiagnosed and link them to health care.
2. Link and retain persons diagnosed with HIV in health care to maximize virus suppression, so they remain healthy and prevent further transmission.
3. Facilitate access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk persons to keep them HIV-negative.

About PrEP

PrEP is for people who do not have HIV. Individuals at risk for HIV infection take a daily pill that contains HIV antiretroviral medication to reduce their risk of becoming infected. Studies show significant reduction in HIV acquisition among HIV-negative persons who use PrEP and are offered a package of prevention, care, and support services.

For more information, visit the New York State's End The Epidemic – HIV/AIDS Plan here on the Provider Resource Center.

PrEP Guidelines for HIV Prevention 

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Clinical Education Initiative’s HIV clinical guidelines recommend speaking to your patients about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a preventive measure.

Studies described in the clinical guidelines show that patients taking antiretroviral medication significantly reduce their risk of becoming infected with HIV.

According to the guidelines, PrEP should be offered as part of a comprehensive prevention plan for your HIV negative patients — including adolescents — who are at an increased risk of contracting HIV.

As part of the comprehensive prevention plan, it is recommended that your patients receive:

• Counseling and education about adherence to PrEP and risk reduction
• Discussions about additional HIV prevention options, including condom use and safe drug injection practices
• Monitoring with routine lab tests

Note: PrEP is not a preventive measure for other viral and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Patients taking PrEP can still contract and spread STIs; continue to educate your patients on safe-sex practices.

We encourage you to speak with your adult and adolescent patients about the importance of HIV prevention.