The Short Version

PEP (Post-Expositionsprofylax) must be started within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure. In Stockholm, go to the Infektionsakuten (Infectious Disease Emergency) at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge. PEP is free under the Smittskyddslagen. The 72-hour clock starts at the moment of exposure — earlier is significantly better.

Emergency: 112 | Healthcare advice line: 1177

What Is PEP

PEP is a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication taken after a potential HIV exposure — unprotected anal sex with a partner of unknown or positive status, a condom failure, or similar. When started within 72 hours (ideally within 24), it significantly reduces HIV transmission risk.

Under the Smittskyddslagen (Communicable Diseases Act), HIV is an allmänfarlig sjukdom (general hazardous disease). This means the emergency consultation and treatment are free — no standard patient fee (patientavgift) applies. Do not let cost be a reason to delay.

Where to Go in Stockholm

Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge — Infektionsakuten Alfred Nobels Allé 30, Huddinge (south of Stockholm) Phone: 08-585 800 00 Open 24 hours This is the primary infectious disease emergency in the Stockholm region. The Infektionsakuten staff are experienced with HIV-related emergencies and PEP.

Södersjukhuset (SÖS) — Akutmottagning Sjukhusbacken 10, Stockholm Phone: 08-616 10 00 Open 24 hours Alternative option in central Stockholm; the general A&E here can handle PEP and refer to infectious disease specialists.

Karolinska, Solna — Akutmottagning Eugeniavägen 3, Solna Open 24 hours Northern Stockholm option.

What to Say at Akuten/Infektionsakuten

"Jag behöver PEP efter en HIV-riskexponering." ("I need PEP after an HIV risk exposure.")

"Jag hade sex utan kondom för [x] timmar sedan med en partner vars HIVstatus jag inte känner till." ("I had unprotected sex [x] hours ago with a partner whose HIV status I don't know.")

The triage nurse or doctor will assess when the exposure occurred and its risk level. Be specific — honest clinical information helps them help you.

Cost

Under Smittskyddslagen, HIV-related care — including PEP — is exempt from the standard patient fee (patientavgift). You should not be charged for the emergency consultation or the PEP medication.

EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: treatment is free. Non-EU tourists: emergency PEP should still be provided; there may be an administrative charge, but Swedish hospitals do not refuse life-saving HIV prevention on cost grounds.

After PEP

Complete the full 28-day course. Then:

  • HIV test at 4–6 weeks post-exposure
  • HIV test at 12 weeks (definitive result)
  • STI screen — specifically request three-site swabs (svalg, rektal, uretral), not just blood
  • Consider starting PrEP — Venhälsan is the best place to discuss this

Emergency Contacts

Service Number Hours
Emergency services 112 24h
Healthcare advice (1177) 1177 24h
Karolinska Huddinge Infektionsakuten 08-585 800 00 24h
Södersjukhuset Akutmottagning 08-616 10 00 24h
Venhälsan (next-day follow-up) 08-616 37 20 Office hours

See also: PrEP access | Venhälsan testing | PEP emergency guide