Interviewer: Good afternoon! Thanks for meeting with me today, so I have a couple of questions for you. The first one is, are you currently taking PrEP?
Jaret: No, not at the moment, I’m thinking about setting up an appointment, though. I’m getting help from the case manager here. It’s been hard to get an appointment for it, but I’m really trying to get on PrEP.
Interviewer: Ok, and what do you already know about PrEP?
Jaret: It’s like a pill that helps prevent the spread of HIV or something, right? And I know some other folks who are already on it- that’s why I want to get started on it as well. I don’t want to be exposed to HIV this early on in life, so I’d like to protect myself from it
Interviewer: Right! PrEP is an option to protect you from HIV exposure, and while yes, they do have a pill option, they also have an injectable option, which is called Apretude, so if you know you probably won’t remember to take the pill every day, the shot is only administered once a month.
Jaret: I’ve seen those in the commercials! I think they have some more injectable options of PrEP, I can’t remember the names off-hand.
Interviewer: Yes! I think those commercials have been very helpful in helping more folks learn about PrEP and the many options out there. So, I have one more question: what made you start thinking about taking PrEP?
Jaret: I haven’t had much intercourse as of yet, but I know I plan to eventually. And I just don’t want to subject myself to being exposed [to HIV.] I must make this choice to take PrEP.
Interviewer: Exactly, and this [PrEP] is a great way to prevent it!
Jaret: Yes, and with all the research and information that’s out there, we have the knowledge and resources to prevent it.
Interviewer: Exactly! And how much research are you aware of about HIV and PrEP?
Jaret: Um, Not much really. I just know that PrEP prevents HIV infection.
Interviewer: Yes, you’re correct, and that is the best option, of course, with condoms.
Jaret: And, like me and my partner do use condoms sometimes, but we also get tested together, and we know each other’s statuses. So we do what we know we should be doing to keep each other safe.
Interviewer: Great! Well, thanks Jaret, for taking the time to day to answer these questions. Continue making safe informed choices!