• SERVICE CLOSURE - 2nd April

    For the purpose of staff training the service will not open until 2pm

  • Telephone Lines

    Due to staffing shortages there may be some delay in responding to calls.  Please bear with us at this time and we will endeavour to answer all calls as soon as possible.

  • Results Hub

    Due to staffing shortages and testing delays at the laboratory there will be a delay in obtaining your results.  We will process them as soon as we receive them.  Thank you for your patience

  • Continuing building works at St Hughs

    Please bear with us for any disruption during the ongoing repairs to the roof

Need to talk? 01695 656550
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PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis)

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)may stop you developing an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection if you’ve exposed to the virus. A course of tablets are taken to reduce the risk of catching HIV within 72 hours of coming in contact with the virus. It should be started as soon as possible after contact as it will be more effective. The tablets are taken for a period of 4 weeks. As it is not guaranteed to work, it is advisable to have protected sex (condoms) as this is more effective at preventing HIV transmission and also reduces the risk of contracting other STIs.

Page Graphic PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) header image

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)may stop you developing an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection if you’ve exposed to the virus. A course of tablets are taken to reduce the risk of catching HIV within 72 hours of coming in contact with the virus. It should be started as soon as possible after contact as it will be more effective. The tablets are taken for a period of 4 weeks. As it is not guaranteed to work, it is advisable to have protected sex (condoms) as this is more effective at preventing HIV transmission and also reduces the risk of contracting other STIs.

Sexual Health clinics and Accident & Emergency can provide PEP. PEP is not available from your GP or at any pharmacies. PEP is available in Sefton from Sefton Sexual Health in St Hugh’s, Bootle and Southport Centre for Health & Wellbeing. Ring Sefton Sexual Health on 01695 656550 to arrange a consultation. If we are not open, please visit your nearest A&E Department.

For more information please visit The Terrence Higgins Trust

Support for people living with HIV

Merseyside Sahir House Lancashire Renaissance

Condoms
by post!

If you are aged 16 and over you can now get free condoms sent to your home. Click here for more information.

Self-help
information

You may be able to get advice or treatment sooner for some health related matters. For information on how you might be able to get quicker acess to alternative options click here.

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Free and
confidential

Sefton Sexual Health offers a free and confidential service in clinics across Sefton.