HIV PEP information for health professionals

South Australian HIV PEP hotline 1800 022 226

The provision of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is part of an overall strategy for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Australia. PEP is a 28 day course of antiretroviral medications that can prevent HIV infection following an exposure to HIV.

HIV PEP must be started within 72 hours of the risk exposure and effectiveness is considered to be greater when PEP is started as soon as possible.

HIV PEP hotline

The South Australian HIV PEP hotline 1800 022 226 is available 24 hours a day to triage any member of the public who believes they may have been exposed to HIV. Calls are answered by a Registered Nurse who will conduct a risk assessment based on the information provided by the caller. Individuals who have had a significant risk exposure to HIV will be directed to the nearest HIV PEP access point.

Access points

The South Australian HIV PEP system is available through targeted primary care clinics and hospital emergency departments

Ordering PEP

PEP can be ordered via a written or electronic purchase request and directed to the SA Pharmacy Purchasing Officer at Flinders Medical Centre. Phone (08) 8204 5283 if further information regarding ordering is required. It is the responsibility of distribution sites to check stock expiry dates on a regular basis.

Training for clinicians

An online training module for clinicians at PEP access point locations is available from SHINE SA. To register for the free PEP training module, please email: SHINESACourses@shinesa.org.au  with your name, position and workplace.

Key documents

The third edition of the national guidelines for post-exposure prophylaxis after non-occupational and occupational exposure to HIV was released in June 2023. 

The South Australian PEP Management Plan (PDF 187KB) is currently under review and will be updated to ensure alignment with the new national guideline.

Access point locations

An audit is currently underway to ensure this list of access points is up to date. Until then it is advisable to contact the service ahead of visiting to ensure they have stock.

Metropolitan area

Country SA 

Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network

Eyre and Far North Local Health Network

Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network

Limestone Coast Local Health Network

Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network

Yorke and Northern Local Health Network

Other regional services

Further information

For further information on HIV PEP, contact SA Health's Communicable Disease Control Branch