Black and white image of a medication bottle laying open on a surface, with 5 pills spilling out

Monitoring HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in Australia: Issue 6

This report uses data extracted from every PrEP prescription supplied in Australia through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) between 1 April 2018 and 31 December 2021. Data are presented on the total number of people who have ever initiated PBS-subsidised PrEP, as well as the number of people dispensed PrEP within the past 12 months. These data are disaggregated by age, and by state or territory of patient residence. This report also includes a section investigating the effect of COVID-19-related lockdowns on presents monthly dispensing data by jurisdiction since COVID-19-related lockdowns began.

Key findings
  • As of 31 December 2021, 51,898 people had received PBS-subsidised PrEP at least once
  • The rate of PrEP dispensing was highest among people aged 25 to 34 years old, and among people residing in the ACT.
  • COVID-19 related lockdowns led to decreases in PrEP dispensing during periods of COVID-19 related lockdowns, but each lockdown period was followed by recoveries in dispensing. 
Monitoring HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in Australia: Issue 6 352.42 KB pdf
Report contact
Year published
2022
Report type
Other surveillance reports
Research program
HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program
Project
Monitoring HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in Australia
Focus areas
HIV
Research strengths
Epidemiology and surveillance
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