PrEP can be taken every day, or alternatively you may choose Event Based Dosing. PrEP works best when used in combination with other HIV risk reduction measures (Safer Sex, or U=U).
Bath Avenue Medical Centre is a designated HSE PrEP Provider. PrEP services are offered as part of our comprehensive range of Sexual Health and Contraception Services. We charge €150 for a PrEP consultation (which includes blood tests, a Doctor’s check-up, and comprehensive personal health (STI) laboratory testing as recommended by the HSE. See our PrEP FAQs for more information. PrEP is then available free of charge at your pharmacy. Please visit our PrEP page for more information and to make an inquiry.
Am I eligible for access to free PrEP?
There are some inclusion criteria we need to check with you to help access free PrEP medicine supported by the HSE and Bath Avenue Medical Centre. If you would like to find out more about your options, or have any questions, please get in touch at 01 6686990.
The HSE PrEP scheme requests that clients:
- test negative for HIV
- be aged 17 years and older
- be able to attend for a check-up at least once every 3 months
How much does the PrEP consultation cost?
Initial consultations cost €150 (which includes blood tests, a Doctor’s check-up, and comprehensive personal health (STI) laboratory tests). Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B are available and recommended to consider (€55 per dose). The HPV vaccination course is also an option to think about, consisting of two doses (€240 per dose).
What happens at the PrEP service?
As PrEP can only be used if you are HIV-negative, your consultation includes:
- A (4th generation) HIV blood test.
- A test for hepatitis B (because PrEP is active against both HIV and hepatitis B).
- A test for hepatitis C and Syphilis.
- Tests for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
- A kidney function blood test (because a small number of people taking PrEP have developed reduced kidney function).
- A pregnancy test (if applicable).
- It is also a good time to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and HPV or boost previous vaccinations if necessary.
- If HIV PEP is required, arrangements will be made to start PrEP at the end of the course of PEP.
Where is Bath Avenue Medical Centre Located?
Bath Avenue Medical Centre is conveniently located at 4 Bath Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin. Our team of dedicated healthcare professionals is focused on your well-being, providing a range of personalised services to meet your health needs.
We offer flexible appointment times to suit your schedule:
Morning hours
Monday to Friday
09:30 – 12:30 (by appointment)
Afternoon hours
Monday to Friday
14:00 – 17:00 (by appointment)
Find us at 4 Bath Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin, D04 V8N8.
After Your Consultation
Once you have started, Ideally, you will need a check-up every 3 months. This is to check for HIV and STIs and to monitor your kidney function with blood tests. Although side effects are rare with PrEP, the clinic monitoring and checkups will help to identify and remedy any potential problems at an early stage.
Every 3 months you should have the following tests:
- A ‘4th generation’ HIV blood test.
- Screening tests for other STIs.
- A blood test to check your kidney function (this will happen at your first 3-month appointment after starting PrEP and thereafter as recommended by your clinic).
Every 12 months: you should have a hepatitis C test. (This may need to be done more frequently).
What do I need to know about PrEP?
We reccomend visiting Man2Man.ie to learn more about PrEP. Our consultation will also provide you with info and material, while answering any questions you may have.
