Frequently Asked Questions
Mi Gente is one of the first PrEP awareness campaigns focused on the Latinx community in Indiana. Mi Gente is a community that comes together to fight the stigma of HIV/AIDS and works to prevent HIV through testing and PrEP.
I am undocumented, can I access PrEP?
Yes, you can have access to PrEP. Your immigration status does not matter. We can help you get access to PrEP and help cover the cost for the medicine
I don’t have health insurance, how can I pay the cost?
PrEP is covered by most health insurances. If you do not have health insurance, you can enter a support program and receive the medication at little or no cost. Also, here at Shalom, you can apply for and access a medical discount and get your lab test free or at a low cost.
Does PrEP interfere with my hormone therapy?
There is no evidence that PrEP interacts with hormonal treatments. However, there is evidence that taking PrEP in the manner recommended by medical providers effectively prevents HIV in transgender women.
What are the side effects of PrEP?
PrEP can have some immediate effects in some people such as headache, dizziness, diarrhea, hallucinations, vivid dreams, nausea and/or vomiting. Many of these side effects do not last for more than 3 to 4 days without any additional serious side effects.
PrEP achieves maximum protection after 7 days of daily use. If you forget to take it for four days or more, the protection disappears. The decision is yours; you must make it based on your sexual practice. You should also consider other prevention methods (such as condoms) as PrEP helps you only to prevent HIV, not other sexually transmitted diseases.
PrEP is only for people who are not living with HIV. If you are HIV positive, you can start or continue your antiretroviral treatment to control the virus with other medication that is not PrEP.
Where can I get PrEP?
You can make an appointment to get PrEP with Shalom Health Care Center or with your medical provider. Contact our PrEP Navigator for advice.
