The GGD relaxes the rules for PrEP, the medicine that prevents HIV infection. More people can now get free PrEP through the GGD.

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a daily pill that prevents HIV infection with 99 percent. The medicine is especially important for people with high HIV risk.

Until now, the rules for free PrEP at the GGD were quite strict. People had to meet specific criteria to qualify. The new guidelines make PrEP accessible for more groups.

What exactly changes?

The main change is that the GGD is now more flexible about risk groups. Before, you had to fit exactly in a box to get PrEP. Now the GGD looks at each person's individual situation.

Transgender people also get more attention in the new guidelines. Their specific risks are better recognized. This especially applies to transgender women, who statistically have more HIV risk.

Furthermore, people can now more easily switch between different forms of PrEP use. Some take PrEP only for risky periods. Others use it throughout the whole year.

Who is PrEP intended for?

PrEP is especially useful for people with increased HIV risk. Think of men who have sex with men without condoms. PrEP can also be useful for people with an HIV-positive partner.

Transgender people, especially transgender women, also have increased risk. This is due to various factors, including discrimination in healthcare. This sometimes limits their access to condoms or other prevention.

Sex workers form another important group. Their work increases their risk of HIV infection. PrEP can offer them extra protection alongside condom use.

How does PrEP work?

PrEP contains two active substances: tenofovir and emtricitabine. These substances block the HIV virus before it can multiply. The medicine must be used consistently to be effective.

There are two ways to use PrEP. Most people take a pill every day. This is called continuous PrEP. Others use PrEP only around risky moments. This is called event-driven PrEP.

Event-driven PrEP is only suitable for men who have sex with men. For other groups, daily use is recommended. This provides the best protection.

What are the side effects?

Most people tolerate PrEP well. Some experience mild side effects initially. Think of nausea, headaches, or fatigue. These complaints usually disappear after a few weeks.

With long-term use, the kidneys and bones can be affected. That's why regular checks are important. The GGD checks blood and kidneys every three months.

HIV and other STIs are also tested every three months. PrEP only protects against HIV. For other STIs, condom use remains important.

How do you get PrEP?

PrEP is freely available through the GGD. You must first have an intake interview. This determines whether PrEP suits your situation.

PrEP is also available through your doctor. Then you have to pay for the medicine yourself. The costs are approximately 50 euros per month. Some health insurers partially reimburse this.

You can also buy PrEP online, but this is not recommended. Without medical supervision, you miss important checks. You also cannot be sure the medicine is real.

Why are the new guidelines important?

The Netherlands wants no new HIV infections by 2030. PrEP plays a crucial role in this. The more people have access to PrEP, the lower the chance of new infections.

The relaxed guidelines can especially help reach vulnerable groups. People who previously could not get PrEP now have more chances. This can further reduce the number of new HIV infections.

The RIVM closely monitors the effects of the new guidelines. They can see whether the goals are being met.