Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Exposure to HIV is a Medical Emergency

If you think you were exposed to HIV, talk to a medical professional about PEP as soon as possible. You can:

  1. Call the NYS or NYC PEP hotline:
    • Outside NYC: 844-PEP4NOW (844-737-4669)
    • In NYC: 844-3-PEPNYC (844-373-7692)
  2. Talk with your primary care provider right away and ask if they can provide PEP.
  3. Go to the local emergency room right away. The "What is PEP" fact sheet has information about PEP and what to expect when you go for a PEP evaluation. Print this fact sheet and bring it with you to the emergency room.

PEP provides emergency protection after a possible exposure to HIV, but you must act quickly. After a possible exposure to HIV, you may be able to stop the infection by taking medications. Do not delay. PEP needs to be taken as soon as possible after you may have been exposed.  PEP is less likely to work when taken more than 72 hours after exposure.  For more information about PEP see: