Time-sensitive PEP care

Possible HIV exposure? Seek care now.

PEP is emergency medication taken after a possible HIV exposure. It must be started as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after exposure. Do not wait for a routine booking form or an online reply.

Do not wait for a website reply.

Check Coast’s immediate PEP phone number and operating hours need confirmation before publication: [Add verified urgent contact and hours]. If you cannot reach a PEP provider immediately, go to an emergency department or urgent care that provides PEP.

PEP must start as soon as possible, no later than 72 hours after exposure.

If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Do not use a routine appointment form for urgent PEP care.

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What to do right now

If you may have been exposed to HIV, seek clinical care now and tell the clinician when the exposure may have happened. PEP is most effective when started as soon as possible; the latest it should be started is 72 hours after exposure.

Call a confirmed Check Coast urgent-care number if one is provided and staff can see you immediately.
If you cannot reach a PEP provider right away, go to an emergency department or urgent care that provides PEP.
Do not wait for a routine appointment, a website form, or a message response.

Check Coast phone number, operating hours, and confirmed same-day PEP availability must be added before publication.

What a clinician may do

A clinician can assess the exposure, discuss whether PEP is recommended, arrange appropriate testing, and address access to medication. A prescribed PEP course generally lasts 28 days. A clinician will explain follow-up testing and next steps.

CDC clinical guidance for PEP

Same-day evaluation is not always same-day medication

Ask about same-day care when available. Evaluation, clinical eligibility, required testing, medication access, and pharmacy hours can affect whether treatment can start that day. Do not assume a visit guarantees a prescription or medication access.

If you are within the 72-hour window, do not delay seeking care while checking online availability.

After PEP

If a clinician prescribes PEP, follow their directions and attend recommended follow-up. If ongoing HIV prevention may be useful after this episode, ask whether PrEP could be an option once the immediate evaluation is complete.

Learn about PrEP

Common questions

A little more clarity.

What should I do after a possible HIV exposure?

Seek care now. PEP must start as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after exposure. If you cannot reach a provider immediately, go to an emergency department or urgent care that provides PEP.

How long is PEP taken?

A prescribed course generally lasts 28 days. A clinician will discuss your individual plan and follow-up.

Can I wait until tomorrow?

Do not wait if you may be within the 72-hour window. Seek care as soon as you can; earlier evaluation matters.

Does Check Coast offer 24/7 PEP care?

Hours and immediate availability have not been confirmed. If Check Coast cannot provide immediate care, go to an emergency department or urgent care that provides PEP.

Your next step

If you need PEP, please seek care now.

Use immediate emergency or urgent care if Check Coast cannot be reached and see you promptly.

PEP: get care now

Explore PrEP for ongoing prevention Contact options