If you've had a potential HIV exposure in Lithuania, go directly to Santaros Klinikos in Vilnius. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) must start within 72 hours — the sooner the better.
Go Here: Santaros Klinikos
Vilniaus universiteto ligoninė Santaros klinikos — Priėmimo skyrius Address: Santariškių g. 14, Vilnius Emergency: 112 (general) or 03 (ambulance)
Go to the Priėmimo skyrius (emergency reception / A&E) and say:
"Turėjau riziką užsikrėsti ŽIV. Man reikia profilaktikos po ekspozicijos (PEP)." (I had a risk of HIV exposure. I need post-exposure prophylaxis — PEP.)
The infectious disease team is available for emergency consultations. PEP will be assessed and the starter pack dispensed from the hospital pharmacy.
The 72-Hour Rule
PEP must begin within 72 hours of a potential HIV exposure. Starting within 24 hours is significantly more effective. Do not wait to assess whether you feel symptoms — HIV has no immediate symptoms. If in doubt, go.
PEP is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication taken daily without missing doses.
Cost
PEP in Lithuania is provided through the state health system. If you have Lithuanian health insurance (draudimas), the cost should be fully or mostly covered. EU citizens with EHIC may access emergency care — confirm coverage with the hospital. Bring your insurance documentation or EHIC card.
If you're uninsured, emergency medical care is still provided in Lithuania. Do not let uncertainty about cost prevent you from going within the 72-hour window.
Outside Vilnius
If you're in Kaunas and can't reach Santaros in time:
Kauno Klinikos — Priėmimo skyrius Eivenių g. 2, Kaunas Phone: 37 326 100
Lithuania's second major clinical hospital. Go to emergency reception and request PEP — the infectious disease team is available for urgent consultations.
For other cities: go to the nearest ligoninė (hospital) emergency department and request the infektologas dežurinis (on-call infectious disease specialist). Say: "ŽIV ekspozicija — reikia PEP."
After PEP
Complete the full 28-day course. After finishing, get an HIV test at Demetra or Santaros at 6 weeks and again at 3 months post-exposure to confirm the outcome.
Consider transitioning to PrEP if PEP reflects ongoing risk — see PrEP Access in Lithuania.