You can book into PEACH Clinic if you:
- Are HIV negative
- Do not have Medicare
- Would like to start or continue Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV
What we offer?
PrEP assessment and prescribing
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Daily and on-demand oral PrEP options
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Monitoring and follow-up every 3 or 6 months
HIV and STI testing
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Screening for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
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Vaccination advice (e.g., hepatitis A/B, HPV)
Ongoing sexual health care
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Management of STIs
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Sexual health advice and counselling
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Referrals if specialist care is required
You will not have to pay anything at the PEACH Clinic for your consultation fee, pathology fee or PrEP medication.
What to expect?
Your first appointment will be in person at MSHC (580 Swanston Street, Carlton). This allows us to:
- Conduct a comprehensive HIV and STI assessment
- Arrange baseline blood tests
- Discuss PrEP options and dosing
- Answer any questions you have about PrEP
A face-to-face visit ensures that PrEP is started safely and appropriately.
After your initial visit, most follow-up appointments can be conducted via:
- Face-to-face (580 Swanston Street), or
- Phone consultation, or
You will need regular pathology testing before each prescription renewal. We will provide a pathology request form at your initial visit so you can get your tests done before your next appointment.
As part of your PrEP assessment and follow-up, we will request blood and STI tests through an approved pathology provider.
If you prefer, please complete the required pathology test at one of the following centres:
-
4Cyte Pathology
-
Melbourne pathology
Otherwise, we can do your pathology at your face-to-face appointment.
Our clinicians will provide you with a pathology request form. Testing can be done when you visit MSHC next OR can be done one week before your follow up appointment so the doctor can have your results to discuss when you see them.
There will be NO CHARGE for the tests you need.
Some pathology centres may not be experienced in self-collected swabs. Please use these instructions to help you collect your anal and throat swabs appropriately.
At your first appointment at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, you will be provided with a 90-day supply of PrEP medication.
For all future prescriptions, you can continue to receive free PrEP medication by taking your prescription to one of our approved partner pharmacies. If you use a different pharmacy, you may be charged for your medication.
Approved pharmacies for free PrEP:
- HealthSmart Pharmacy VCCC – 311 Grattan Street, Melbourne (15 mins walk from Melbourne Sexual Health Centre)
- HealthSmart Pharmacy Alfred – Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne
- Caremore Bain & Co Pharmacy – 77 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
- Equal Health Pharmacy – 333 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North
- Newton & Leung Pharmacy – 272 Smith Street, Collingwood
If you are unable to attend one of these pharmacies, please speak with the PEACH Clinic team for advice.
Yes. Your care at MSHC is confidential.
We understand that some Medicare-ineligible people may have concerns about privacy, insurance, visa status or communication with family. Our service is discreet and respectful. Please let us know if you have specific privacy concerns.
If you have comments on your experience with the PEACH Clinic or if you have been charged by a deisgnated pharmacy / pathology centre, please send an email.