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 Australia, 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 Centre | 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 Sexual Health Centres (Daytime)
- 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 (07 3646 5177)
- Perth: Perth Sexual Health Clinic (08 6458 2222)
- Adelaide: Clinic 275 (08 7117 2750)
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 1800 451 624 (National HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis & Sexual Health Information Service).
🗣️ 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 time window is critical." Mention the 72-hour window.
- With 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."
- If there's hesitation (ED): 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.
The Starter Pack: EDs will issue a 5-day starter pack of PEP. The follow-up is mandatory. You must see a sexual health centre within those 5 days to complete the HIV test assessment and receive the remaining 23 days of medication. Bring your ED paperwork.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Australian PEP regimen consists of two pills taken daily (typically tenofovir/emtricitabine alongside an integrase inhibitor like dolutegravir or raltegravir).
- 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 (Medicare): Free at sexual health clinics and public hospital EDs.
- Tourists and Visitors: In practice, Australian public hospitals will generally provide PEP to visitors even without a Medicare card due to the public health priority. You may be billed later for the ED visit, but the medication itself is unlikely to be withheld. Travel insurance may cover this.
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