Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a standing order allowing residents to access the HIV preventive medication PrEP directly from pharmacists without needing a doctor's prescription. PrEP, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection when taken as directed. The order, authorized by IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, aims to streamline access to the two oral medications involved in the PrEP regimen and facilitate reimbursement for pharmacists providing PrEP services.

Despite progress under Governor JB Pritzker’s Getting to Zero Illinois (GtZ) program, which aims for zero new HIV transmissions by 2030, HIV remains an issue in the state. In 2024, Illinois recorded 1,386 new HIV diagnoses, marking a nine percent decrease from the previous year. However, Black and Hispanic communities continue to be disproportionately affected, accounting for over 60% of new infections. IDPH’s PrEP4IL program supports individuals financially in accessing PrEP, recording over 900 new applicants in the past year, especially from Black and Hispanic communities. This new standing order is intended to further improve PrEP access for high-risk groups.

“IDPH continues to value the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker and our tremendous partnerships across Illinois all striving to help our State get to zero,” said Director Vohra. “IDPH is very proud of our PrEP4IL program and the impact it is making to reduce HIV rates. This standing order now takes our efforts even further, opening additional doors of access so more individuals and communities can have the opportunity to take this preventative treatment and dramatically reduce their risk of acquiring HIV.”

The Illinois Pharmacy Act permits pharmacists to provide PrEP when a standing order is approved by a physician or, as in this case, by the IDPH Director. Pharmacists offering this service must complete a specific training program based on the statute's protocols, ensuring confidentiality, test administration, and necessary record-keeping. IDPH will monitor the standing order’s use through a pharmacist reporting form. Oral PrEP, typically taken as one pill daily, is designed to prevent HIV in at-risk individuals such as those with HIV-positive partners, inconsistent condom users, or those with recent STI diagnoses.

Further information on PrEP is accessible on the IDPH website. For details about the state's PrEP Assistance Program, individuals can contact IDPH’s HIV Section PrEP Helpline or visit their website.