🇦🇺AU Queensland PDD | Find PEP, PrEP and Doxy-PEP

PEP is a 28-day course of medication that can prevent HIV infection if started within 72 hours of a potential exposure, such as condomless sex, a broken condom or sexual assault

⏳ Time Is Critical!

The sooner you start PEP, the more effective it is.

⏱️ 0–24 hours: Most effective

⏱️ 24–48 hours: Still works well

⏱️ 48–72 hours: Still offered

⛔ After 72 hours: Too late for PEP, still seek medical help.

💊 Where to Get PEP in Queensland?

🏥 Hospital Emergency Departments:

You can get PEP from any public hospital emergency department, 24/7.

👨‍⚕️ Sexual Health Clinics

Various clinics offer PEP during business hours. A comprehensive list of private and public sexual health services throughout Queensland can be found on the Queensland Health website.

🩺 GPs/Doctors Surgeries:

Some General Practitioners, particularly those with a focus on sexual health, can prescribe PEP.

🥼 Online Doctors:

Should be able to issue a script, but will likely require STI and HIV testing.

🗣️ What to Say to a Healthcare Provider:

Go to a hospital emergency room or sexual health clinic and state clearly:

"I may have been exposed to HIV. I want to start PEP".

It is crucial to mention that the potential exposure was within the last 72 hours.

You are not required to provide proof of the incident.

If you feel you are not being taken seriously, you can ask for:

"Can I talk to the on-call infectious diseases specialist."

📲 You can show them this:

The offical ASHM guideline document

❗ If You Encounter Resistance:

If a healthcare professional is hesitant to provide PEP, you can calmly state:

"Queensland Health guidelines for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis recommend it be offered within 72 hours of a potential exposure. Could you please consult the on-call HIV specialist or refer me to someone who can assist?".

⚠️ For immediate advice and information on where to find a PEP provider, you can call the

Queensland PEP Hotline:

📞 1800 022 226

🆘 If you were assaulted: Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for sexual assault, and domestic and family violence counselling.

Help Getting Doxy-PEP

💊 Doxy-PEP

Doxy-PEP involves taking a 200mg dose of doxycycline, an antibiotic, within 72 hours of unprotected sex to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and syphilis.

⏳Time Is Critical!

Doxy-PEP must be started within 72 hours to be effective.

🏥 Accessing Doxy-PEP in Queensland:

👨‍⚕️ Sexual Health Clinics:

Clinics such as the Brisbane Sexual Health Clinic, Cairns Sexual Health Service, and Gold Coast Sexual Health Clinic are key places to discuss and obtain Doxy-PEP.

🩺 Doctor Surgeries/Informed GPs:

A growing number of GPs are prescribing Doxy-PEP "off-label" for STI prevention, supported by national guidelines.

🏥 Hospitals:

In cases such as sexual assault, you may be able to request Doxy-Pep.

🗣️ How to Ask for Doxy-PEP:

Be direct with your doctor/nurse:

"I am at high risk for STIs and I would like to use Doxy-PEP for prevention".

You can also mention:

"I know the ASHM consensus statement supports its use for people like me. Can we discuss if it’s right for me?”.

You do not need to wait until you have an STI to ask for this preventative measure.

❌ If a Provider is Unwilling to Prescribe:

If a doctor is unfamiliar with or refuses to prescribe Doxy-PEP, you can say:

“Off-label use is common in sexual health, and ASHM has released a consensus statement. I’m informed and requesting it for STI prevention".

You can also ask:

"Can I be referred to a sexual health doctor if you’re not comfortable prescribing?".

📲 Show them the guidelines:

Showing them the official ASHM Doxy-PEP Statement can also be helpful

🆘 If you were assaulted: Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for sexual assault, and domestic and family violence counselling.

Help Getting PrEP

💊 PrEP

PrEP is a daily medication that is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. In Australia, PrEP is subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making it accessible to anyone at risk.

🧑‍⚕️ Getting PrEP in Queensland:

🏥 Sexual Health Clinics:

Most clinics in Queensland can prescribe PrEP.

🩺 GPs/Doctors Surgeries:

Any GP can prescribe PrEP, some may need education.

💻 Online Doctors:

A convent way to access PrEP, you will still be required to go through STI/HIV testing.

🗣️ How to Start the Conversation about PrEP:

A simple and direct approach is best:

“I want PrEP to protect myself from HIV”.

You can add:

“I’m sexually active and want PrEP to prevent HIV".

❗Overcoming Barriers to Access:

If a doctor suggests you are not at high risk or doesn't prescribe PrEP, you can respond:

“I’m eligible under ASHM guidelines and PrEP is available on the PBS. Could you refer me to someone who does prescribe PrEP...?".

The Queensland PrEP Hotline can also offer advice and help you find a prescriber:

📞 1800 636 241

🙋 Your Rights and Support Systems in Queensland

Consider making a your experience a learning opportunity for the medical professional/staff. Tap below to learn the more.

📝 How to make a Formal Complaint:

🆘 If you were assaulted: Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for sexual assault, and domestic and family violence counselling.

In an emergency, always call 000.

👨‍⚖️ Final Word

🫵 Your health and safety are paramount. You have the right to be treated with respect and to access the preventative care you need. If you face obstacles, do not hesitate to seek out the resources and support systems available to you in Queensland.

How to Make a Complaint

If you feel you have been unfairly denied care, judged, or treated poorly, you have the right to file a complaint.

First, try to resolve the issue directly with the healthcare service. Writing an email outlining:

Who you spoke with

When you spoke with them

What happened

If you are not satisfied, you can contact the Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) Queensland, the state's independent health complaints agency.

🖱️ Website: www.oho.qld.gov.au

📞 Phone: 133 646

For complaints about a specific registered health practitioner, you can also contact the

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

❤️ Where to Find Support:

Queensland Positive People (QPP): Provides support, advocacy, and prevention services for people living with or at risk of HIV.

🖱️ Website: qpp.org.au

📞 Phone: +617 3013 5555

Disclaimer:

1. Not Professional Advice

2. No Liability & Use at Your Own Risk

3. Non-Endorsement and Zero Budget

⚠️ Read Full Disclaimer here

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