PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of emergency HIV medication. It must be started within 72 hours of a high-risk exposure (e.g., a condom break with a partner of unknown status), but the sooner you start it, the more effective it is. In New Zealand, it is free at sexual health clinics and public hospital emergency departments.
🚨 Where to Go Right Now
Your route depends entirely on the time of day.
| Time / Day | Where to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (Daytime) | Sexual Health Clinic | Preferred route. Fast, specialist assessment. Free. |
| Evenings / Weekends / Holidays | Emergency Department (ED) | Go to the nearest public hospital. You will wait, but they will provide the starter pack. Free. |
Major Public Hospital EDs (24/7)
- Auckland: Auckland City Hospital ED (2 Park Road, Grafton)
- Wellington: Wellington Hospital ED (Riddiford Street, Newtown)
- Christchurch: Christchurch Hospital ED (2 Riccarton Avenue)
- Hamilton: Waikato Hospital ED (Pembroke Street, Hamilton)
Do not wait for a clinic to open if it's the weekend or overnight. The 72-hour window is critical. Go directly to a public hospital ED. If you need advice out-of-hours, call 111 for emergencies or the Burnett Foundation during business hours.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
Whether at a clinic or ED, explain the situation clearly.
- At the ED Triage: "I've had a potential HIV exposure within the last [X] hours and I need PEP. The 72-hour window is critical."
- With the Doctor: "I had [receptive/insertive] anal sex without a condom with a partner of [unknown/positive] HIV status. I need PEP and I'm prepared to be tested for HIV now."
- If there's hesitation (ED): Ask the doctor to contact the on-call infectious diseases physician. You are entitled to PEP following a credible sexual exposure within 72 hours.
The Starter Pack: EDs will issue a 5-day starter pack of PEP. The follow-up is mandatory. You must attend a sexual health clinic within those 5 days to complete clinical assessment and receive the remaining 23 days of medication. Do not miss this follow-up.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard New Zealand PEP regimen usually consists of Truvada (or generic equivalent) taken alongside an integrase inhibitor like dolutegravir (Tivicay).
- It is a strict regimen: PEP is not a morning-after pill. It is a mandatory 28-day course, and you cannot miss doses.
- Side effects are manageable: You may experience nausea, fatigue, or diarrhea, particularly in the first week. The clinic can prescribe anti-sickness medication.
- Do not stop: Never stop taking PEP without speaking to a doctor first.
💶 Cost
- Residents: Free at sexual health clinics and public hospital EDs.
- Tourists and Visitors: Public hospital EDs will generally provide PEP regardless of residency status, as HIV prevention is a public health priority. Visitors may face charges for the ED visit, but the medication is unlikely to be withheld. Travel insurance may cover costs.
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