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Pre–Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV makes the body more likely to get other infections and diseases, which can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted through specific bodily fluids—most commonly blood, semen, and vaginal fluids—often through unprotected sex or sharing injection drug needles. Although there is currently no cure, HIV is a manageable, chronic condition that can be effectively treated with lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART), which allows infected people to live long, healthy lives and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. 

 

  • PrEP refers to the use of oral antiretroviral medications by HIV-negative `individuals to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV infection. 

  • PrEP refers to ongoing use of antiretrovirals prior to and after potential exposure to HIV. 

  • Available for ‘men who have sex with men’, ‘transgender women’ and ‘persons who inject drugs’.

  • Physicians or some nurse practitioners may enroll clients and prescribe HIV PrEP medication

  • You may need to educate and coach newcomers to access this service

 

PrEP is available at no cost for most BC residents with Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage who meet provincial eligibility criteria. It is also available through the Interim Federal Health Program. The pharmacy must be registered with IFHP/Medavie Blue Cross. If you are a permanent resident, you are generally expected to transition to provincial health coverage as soon as possible, at which point the provincial PrEP programs would apply. A $4 copay applies to each prescription paid for through the IFHP. 

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Steps to Get Started

  1. You must have an active BC Medical Services Plan. 

  2. Eligibility Assessment:  Your provider will review your medical and sexual health history to see if you meet BC's high-risk criteria. This is the assessment document https://bccfe.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/prep-enrolment-prescription-request_form_v2021_09_24.pdf

  3. Medical Testing: You must undergo blood and urine tests, including an HIV test (must be negative), kidney function, and STI screenings.

  4. Prescription & Pick-up: Once approved, your prescriber will enroll you in the BC Centre for Excellence (BC-CfE) program. Since Nanaimo is outside Greater Vancouver, the medication is typically shipped directly to your prescriber's office or a local pharmacy for you to pick up.

  5. Ongoing Monitoring: You will need follow-up appointments and lab work every 3 months to maintain your prescription.

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Where can I get PrEP?

Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner

  • Any licensed physician or specifically trained nurse practitioner in BC can prescribe PrEP. 

 

Online & Telehealth Options

  • Freddie: A virtual platform that offers online PrEP consultations and discreet delivery, primarily for those with private insurance. 

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Nanaimo Clinics

  • AVI Health & Community Services (Nanaimo) located at 102-55 Victoria Road, this centre provides PrEP prescribing, follow-up, and STI testing. They also offer low-barrier health care and wellness programs. 

    • (250) 754-9111

  • Nanaimo Options for Sexual Health Clinic: offers sexual health services including PrEP consultations and STI testing. 

    • You can walk in or book an appointment by calling (250) 753-9511. 

    • Monday: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

    • Nanaimo Public Health Unit, 1665 Grant Ave, Nanaimo, BC V9S 2K4, Canada

    • Park in the designated client parking spots and proceed to the far-left side of the building, where you’ll see the door marked “Staff Entrance.” Please ring the doorbell, and an Options staff will let you in. Kindly do not use the main entrance.

    • Island Health Sexual Health Clinic: This clinic provides STI testing and treatment and can assist with PrEP referrals. #8, 1599 Dufferin Crescent,

    • Call for an appointment (250)-740-2616. 

 

Victoria and South Island Clinics

  • ‘Island Health’ South Island Communicable Disease Office 1947 Cook Street, Victoria

    • Call for appointment (250) 388-2225   

    • Offers weekly PrEP Clinics.

 

  • Island Sexual Health Clinic  

    •  #101-3960 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC & Camosun College

    • Appointments are required and can be booked by calling 250-592-3479.

 

  • Island Sexual Health (Westshore Clinic): 

    • #108 – 284 Helmcken Rd, Victoria.

    • Tuesdays from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

    • Appointments: Required for physician services. Call 250-888-6814.

    • For appointments or inquiries, call 250-888-6814 (Westshore) or 250-592-3479 (Main Clinic).

    • The Westshore location is not wheelchair accessible and is only accessible by stairs.

 

  • Victoria Cool Aid Society Community Health Centre offers low-barrier, nurse-led PrEP.

    •  713 Johnson Street, Victoria

    • Prism Testing Night, Thursday 5-7:30 pm. Walk-in first come first served.

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