Time limit: 72 hours from exposure. Earlier is better — every hour counts. Cost: Free via Medicare at sexual health clinics. Free at public hospital emergency departments.

For the full clinical explanation of how PEP works, efficacy, and the 28-day course — see PEP: The Emergency Protocol first.

Where to Go

Scenario A: Sexual Health Centre is Open

Go to the sexual health centre. This is always the preferred route when possible.

  • Why: Staff are experienced, the process is streamlined, and you're in and out faster. They understand risk assessment for sexual exposure and won't make you feel judged.
  • What to say at reception: "I've had a potential HIV exposure and I need PEP." Say the word "PEP." This signals urgency and gets you seen quickly.
  • What happens: Brief clinical assessment of the exposure event, HIV test (required before starting PEP), prescription for a 28-day course, and counselling about what happens next.
  • Be specific: "I had receptive anal sex without a condom with someone whose HIV status I don't know" is the kind of detail they need. Clarity about risk helps them help you.

Major sexual health centres:

  • Sydney: Sydney Sexual Health Centre — sshc.org.au — (02) 9382 7440
  • Melbourne: Melbourne Sexual Health Centre — mshc.org.au — (03) 9341 6200
  • Brisbane: Metro North Sexual Health — ph: (07) 3646 5177
  • Perth: Perth Sexual Health Clinic — ph: (08) 6458 2222
  • Adelaide: Clinic 275 — ph: (08) 7117 2750

Scenario B: Sexual Health Centre is Closed (Nights, Weekends, Public Holidays)

Go to the Emergency Department (ED) of your nearest public hospital.

  • The reality: You will wait. ED staff triage by medical acuity, and a PEP request will not put you at the front of the queue behind the chest pains and injuries. This is expected — go anyway.
  • At triage: Tell the nurse immediately: "I've had a potential HIV exposure within the last [X] hours and I need PEP. The time window is critical." Use the word PEP. Mention the 72-hour window.
  • Script for the doctor: "I had [receptive/insertive] anal sex without a condom. My partner was [HIV positive/unknown status]. I need PEP. I'm prepared to be tested for HIV now."
  • Be aware: ED doctors see a wide range of presentations. Some are very experienced with PEP; others may need to consult. If there's any hesitation, ask them to contact the on-call infectious diseases registrar. You have a right to PEP if you present within 72 hours with a credible sexual exposure.

After-Hours Hotlines (Before Going to ED)

Some states operate sexual health telephone advice lines that can assess your exposure risk and advise you before you travel:

  • NSW: ACON Information Line — (02) 9206 2000 (business hours) or call NSW Health after hours
  • VIC: Melbourne Sexual Health Centre after-hours advice — check mshc.org.au for current numbers
  • National HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis & Sexual Health Information Service: 1800 451 624

The Starter Pack and the Follow-Up

After an ED visit, you typically receive a starter pack of 5 days of PEP medication. You must then see a sexual health centre within those 5 days to:

  • Complete the HIV test assessment
  • Receive the remaining 23 days of medication
  • Get counselling and schedule follow-up testing

Do not lose the starter pack paperwork. Bring it to your follow-up appointment.

PEP for Tourists and Visitors

PEP falls under emergency public health treatment. In practice, Australian public hospitals will generally provide PEP to visitors even without a Medicare card, because the public health benefit of preventing HIV transmission takes priority. You may be billed later for the ED visit, but the medication itself is unlikely to be withheld. If you have travel insurance, this may cover the cost.

The 28-Day Course

Once started, PEP must be taken every day without missing doses for the full 28 days. Missing doses significantly reduces efficacy. Set daily alarms if needed. Side effects (nausea, fatigue) are possible but manageable — do not stop the course. See your doctor if side effects are severe.

After finishing PEP:

  • HIV test at 45 days post-exposure (the definitive window for modern 4th-gen tests)
  • Consider whether PrEP is appropriate going forward — see PrEP in Australia: The PBS Route

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