Victorian NPEP Service

Patient information

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The Victoria Non-Occupational Post Exposure Prophylaxis (NPEP) Service can assist people who have been exposed to HIV (either sexually or by injecting drugs) with the aim of reducing the risk of contracting HIV.

What we do

This service provides information and advice for people seeking PEP. It provides PEP across Victoria in partnership with GPs and hospital services and assists people to find their closest PEP provider. 

The service is clinically overseen by Alfred Health, but can be accessed throughout Victoria from HIV-specialist GP's, emergency departments such as The Alfred’s Emergency & Trauma Centre (after hours and on weekends) and the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.

Do I need to start PEP?

PEP is a 28 day course of tablets started within 72 hours (3 days) of a high risk HIV exposure. That is, an event where it is possible that you could catch HIV.

Whether or not you need PEP depends on how high the risk was.

To find out if you should take PEP, see the table below, and Commonly Asked Questions for further details. Please note that there may sometimes be exceptions to these general rules.

If you need to start PEP visit the PEP website to find your nearest PEP site.

HIV exposure PEP required?

You had sex with someone on PrEP

No
You had sex with someone with HIV who has a non- detectable viral load No
Male to male sex - receptive anal sex (bottom) YES
Male to male sex - insertive anal sex only if uncircumcised (top, uncut) YES
Male to male sex - oral sex No
Heterosexual sex No
Community needle stick injury No
Sharing needles (where HIV status is unknown) No
Sharing needles (with an HIV-positive person, or a person at high risk of HIV) YES

Commonly asked questions

What does "HIV treatment" refer to?
What does it mean if someone has a Non-Detectable Viral Load (ND VL)?
What if I was exposed to someone who is HIV positive with a non-detectable viral load (ND VL)?
What if I was exposed to someone who is on PrEP?
What should I consider with male to male sexual exposure?
What should I consider with heterosexual sexual exposure?
Do I need PEP for a needle stick injury?
Do I need PEP if I share needles?
I need to start PEP, what should i do?

How to access this service

Contact us directly

Patients, families, carers, and case managers can reach out to us directly for assistance.

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In Case Of An Emergency, Call 000