Packing the Essentials: Why PrEP Belongs on Your Summer Checklist

The summer season is officially on the horizon. As we start making lists of everything we need for festival season, weekend getaways, and summer holidays, our thoughts usually turn to the obvious essentials: passport, sunglasses, and a reliable suncream. But this year, the PaSH Partnership is asking you to add one more vital item to your summer checklist: PrEP.

Coinciding with PrEP Awareness Week (Monday 22nd June – Friday 26th June), we are launching our "PrEP for Summer" campaign across Greater Manchester and Liverpool. Our mission is simple: we want everyone to enjoy a safe, confident, and vibrant summer while taking full control of their sexual health.

What is PrEP?

If you haven't come across it yet, PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a simple, highly effective medication taken by people not living with HIV to prevent acquiring HIV. When taken correctly, it is highly effective against preventing HIV.

PrEP doesn’t prevent against other STIs or pregnancy so works best alongside contraception, condoms and regular testing.

Just like applying suncream blocks harmful UV rays before you get burned, taking PrEP protects your immune system before you are exposed to HIV. It’s an empowering, proactive tool that puts your health entirely in your own hands.

PrEP is for Everyone (Yes, Everyone)

One of the biggest myths surrounding PrEP is that it is only meant for specific groups of people. This couldn't be further from the truth.

HIV does not discriminate, and neither does PrEP.

PrEP can be taken by anyone, regardless of your sexuality, gender identity, or relationship status. Whether you are a cisgender woman, a trans man, a trans woman, non-binary, straight, gay, bisexual, polyamorous or monogamous, if you are sexually active and want an extra layer of protection, PrEP could be right for you.

It is a brilliant option if:

• You don't always use condoms.

• You have multiple sexual partners or partners whose HIV status you don't know.

• You want the peace of mind that comes with being completely in charge of your own HIV prevention.

How to Access PrEP

You can access PrEP through sexual health services, and support is available through PaSH partners:

• NHS Sexual Health Clinics - find your local sexual health clinic to access PrEP
• BHA for Equality - register your interest in BHA's fast track service for Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups
• LGBT Foundation - find out more about PrEP and PrEP initiation clinics 

Heading Abroad? Travel Tips for Your PrEP Routine

If you're already on PrEP or thinking about starting before you travel, planning ahead is key to a stress-free holiday:

• Count your pills: Make sure you have enough to last your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays.

• Pack it in your hand luggage: Keeping your medication in your carry-on ensures it won't get lost if your checked bags go missing.

• Keep your routine: Crossing time zones can be tricky. Use a daily phone alarm set to your usual home time zone to make sure you never miss a dose, whether you are taking it daily or using event-based dosing.

Why is it important to keep on top of your PrEP while travelling? 

• You might be travelling to see partners, spouses or reconnect socially with friends and family

• You might be spending longer periods abroad

• You may be in trusted relationships where HIV and STI prevention isn't always used

• You may have less access to familiar NHS services

• Sexual health services abroad may be harder to access or cost money

• Testing and prevention are especially important for people who may be at increased risk, including those travelling to higher prevalence settings.

What if I think I might have been exposed to HIV?

PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency course of anti-HIV medication that can prevent HIV infection after potential exposure. It is prescribed to be taken within 72 hours of exposure, the earlier you take it, the more effective it is. You can get PEP in the UK from:

• Any NHS Accident and Emergency department

• Sexual Health / GUM clinics

   

What Else Can I Do To Protect Myself?

HIV and other STIs can be transmitted through all types of sex, including oral, vaginal and anal, you can help to prevent these by using barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams. You can get these free from:

• LGBT Foundation: Either via discreet postal service or throughout various gay bars in Greater Manchester and Liverpool
• BHA for Equality: Through the discreet postal service or click and collect via the website.

You can also get tested with both BHA and LGBT Foundation for free:

• BHA for Equality Testing
• LGBT Foundation Testing

Look Out for the PaSH Partnership This June

Our incredible teams from BHA for Equality, LGBT Foundation, and George House Trust are always out on the ground throughout Greater Manchester and Liverpool. We have outreach stalls, hosting advice clinics, and providing free sexual health tools both in person and online.

Come say hi to our team to grab:

• Free PrEP Advice: Chat with us confidentially about how to get PrEP for free on the NHS and get help booking a clinic appointment or fast-track service.

• Free STI & HIV Testing: Pick up a full screening kit at a stall, or order one online for free, discrete home delivery. Knowing your status is a vital part of staying safe on PrEP.

• Free Summer Essentials: We’ll be handing out free condoms and lube to pack in your suitcase, alongside info and advice on DoxyPEP and the Gonorrhoea and MPox vaccines.

Don't let worry cloud your summer. Get holiday-ready, pack your essentials, and get on PrEP.