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 Poland, PEP is available through NFZ and is free for Polish residents.
🚨 Where to Go Right Now
Do not wait for a convenient appointment. Your route depends entirely on the time of day.
| Time / Day | Where to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime | SOR (Szpitalny Oddział Ratunkowy) at a Szpital Zakaźny | 24/7 capacity. They will assess risk and initiate PEP. |
Major Hospitals
- Warsaw: Wojewódzki Szpital Zakaźny (Wolska 37). The primary infectious disease hospital.
- Kraków: Szpital Uniwersytecki w Krakowie (ul. Jakubowskiego 2). Request the dyżurny lekarz chorób zakaźnych.
- Wrocław: Szpital Specjalistyczny im. A. Falkiewicza (Warszawska 2).
- Poznań: Szpital Miejski im. F. Raszei (Mickiewicza 2) or Szpital Kliniczny Przemienienia Pańskiego UM (Długa 1/2).
- Łódź: Szpital im. Biegańskiego (Kniaziewicza 1/5).
Do not go to your lekarz POZ (GP / primary care doctor). They cannot prescribe PEP. Go directly to the SOR of the nearest Szpital Zakaźny (infectious disease hospital) or large hospital with an infectious disease unit.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the SOR, ask for the doctor on duty for infectious diseases (chorób zakaźnych).
- Use the terminology: "Miałem ryzykowne zachowanie seksualne. Potrzebuję profilaktyki poekspozycyjnej — PEP — na HIV." (I had risky sexual behaviour. I need post-exposure prophylaxis — PEP — for HIV).
- State the timeline: "Jestem w ciągu 72 godzin." (I'm within 72 hours). Tell them exactly how long ago it was.
- Be direct about the exposure: Explain exactly what happened. The interaction may be clinical and cool — focus on getting what you need medically.
The Starter Pack: The SOR will issue a starter pack of medication. The follow-up is mandatory. You must collect the full prescription before it runs out. Missing doses or stopping early means the course does not protect you.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Polish PEP regimen usually consists of Truvada (or a generic equivalent) taken alongside an integrase inhibitor — typically 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, though not everyone does. The clinic will often prescribe anti-sickness medication alongside your PEP.
- Do not stop: Never stop taking PEP without speaking to a doctor first.
💶 Cost
- Polish residents (NFZ): PEP is free or significantly subsidised.
- EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: Emergency care is covered. Bring your EHIC card.
- Non-EU visitors: Emergency care is provided; you may be billed afterward. Travel insurance should cover this.
Related: