THE HILL – California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill Tuesday that makes medication preventing HIV available to residents without a prescription.
The bill, S.B. 339, authorizes pharmacists to furnish preexposure prophylaxis, commonly called PrEP, a drug that helps prevent HIV infection prior to exposure, as well as postexposure prophylaxis, a drug used for patients exposed to HIV, if specified conditions are met.
The bill was introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener (D) and will allow pharmacists to distribute the drugs without a prescription.
Wiener said in a statement that while there have been “massive strides in HIV treatment,” the state still sees about 4,000 new infections each year, particularly in communities of color.
“HIV continues to take a huge toll on public health in California, and SB 339 unlocks a powerful tool to prevent new infections,” Wiener said in a statement …
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“PrEP is nearly 100% effective at preventing HIV transmission, but far too many Californians lack access to it.” – State Sen. Scott Wiener (D)
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A zipper in its upright and locked position is 100% effective at preventing HIV transmission, and costs taxpayers. nothing. – HEADLINE HEALTH
