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. See Access point locations below.
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 Post-Exposure Prophylaxis after Non-Occupational and Occupational Exposure to HIV: Australian National Guidelines was released in June 2023.
The South Australian PEP Management Plan is currently being reviewed and updated to ensure alignment with the national guidelines. In the interim, health professionals should refer to the national guidelines and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network’s (CALHN’s) Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) after exposure to HIV and other blood borne viruses in adults guideline (accessible to SA Health staff via CALHN intranet).
Please note that CALHN and the authors of the CALHN guideline are NOT a contact point for PEP related matters. Any queries related to PEP guideline development and management should be directed to the Communicable Disease Control Branch.
Access point locations
Metropolitan area
- Adelaide Sexual Health Centre
- O’Brien Street General Practice
- SHINE SA (Hyde Street Practice and Woodville)
- Flinders Medical Centre
- Royal Adelaide Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital
- Women's and Children's Hospital
- Noarlunga Hospital
- Lyell McEwin Hospital
- Modbury Hospital
- Sefton Park Intermediate Care
- Hindmarsh Priority Care Centre – referral required from a hospital Emergency Department or via the HIV PEP Hotline: 1800 022 226
Country SA
Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network
Eyre and Far North Local Health Network
Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network
- Port Augusta Hospital and Regional Health Service
- Roxby Downs Health Service
- Whyalla Hospital and Health Service
Limestone Coast Local Health Network
Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network
Yorke and Northern Local Health Network
Other regional services
- Royal Flying Doctor Service - Port Augusta Base
- Nganampa Health Council - APY Lands (Amata, Iwantja and Pukatja Clinics)
Further information
For further information on HIV PEP, contact the Communicable Disease Control Branch.