San Francisco City Clinic enhances PrEP access with long acting injectables and DoxyPEP

San Francisco is making significant strides in HIV and STI prevention, as highlighted in a recent government meeting. The city has launched a comprehensive prep registry in EPIC, enhancing retention and care for individuals at risk of HIV. This initiative includes scaling up express visits to improve patient experience and reduce wait times.

A key development is the introduction of long-acting injectable PrEP, which offers a new method for HIV prevention. The city has also initiated Medi-Cal billing to ensure fiscal sustainability for these programs. Community engagement has been bolstered through collaborations, such as the mural project with Presida Eyes, which aims to raise awareness and support for these health initiatives.

Data from the City Clinic shows a year-on-year increase in the number of men who have sex with men reporting PrEP usage, surpassing national averages. While progress is evident across various racial and ethnic groups, disparities remain, particularly among Black and Latinx populations.

Additionally, the city has implemented doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP), a new STI prevention strategy that has proven effective in reducing STI risk by nearly 70% among targeted groups. San Francisco was the first jurisdiction in the U.S. to release citywide guidance on this intervention, demonstrating its commitment to innovative public health strategies.

In summary, while San Francisco has made notable advancements in HIV and STI prevention, ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure equitable access to these vital health resources, particularly for marginalized communities. The city continues to address social determinants that drive health disparities, emphasizing the importance of data-informed programming to combat these issues effectively.