PrEP Made Simple. Your Options for HIV Prevention.
Crystal Walker, PhD, DNP, FNP-C, Associate Director of Sexual Health Program
August 21, 2026
Protecting your health starts with having the right information. Today, there are more options than ever to prevent HIV, including medications that can dramatically reduce your risk of infection.
One of the most effective tools available is PrEP, short for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP helps people who are HIV negative stay HIV negative and can be an important part of a personalized prevention plan.
Knowing your options and taking steps to protect your health can help reduce the spread of HIV and support healthier communities across Central Texas.
What Is HIV?
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a chronic medical condition that affects the immune system. It is most commonly transmitted through sex, but it can also be spread through shared needles or from a parent to a child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. While there is currently no cure for HIV, advances in treatment allow people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.
The best approach is prevention, and that’s where PrEP can help.
What Is PrEP and How Does It Work?
PrEP is a safe and highly effective way to protect yourself from HIV. It comes in several forms to fit different lifestyles, including a daily pill, an injection every two months, and a newer option that only requires an injection every six months.
With six-month injectable PrEP, you can stay protected with as few as two clinic visits each year, making HIV prevention more convenient than ever.
Who Should Consider PrEP?
There is a common misconception that HIV only affects men who have sex with men, but the reality is that HIV can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.
In Texas, adolescents and young adults continue to represent a growing number of new HIV diagnoses, and women of color are also disproportionately impacted. The important thing to remember is that HIV prevention is not just for certain groups of people. If you are sexually active and want to take steps to protect your health, PrEP may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Making PrEP Affordable and Accessible
Cost should never be a barrier to protecting your health.
Oral PrEP is included on the Medical Access Program (MAP) formulary, making it available at low or no cost for those who qualify. Injectable PrEP options are also available for patients with or without insurance through CommUnityCare Health Centers.
In addition, our medication access specialist can help you navigate insurance coverage, patient assistance programs, and financial questions, so you can focus on your health—not the cost.
How to Get Started
Taking care of your health is a powerful step, and you do not have to do it alone. Whether you’re looking for information, exploring your options, or ready to start PrEP, the team at CommUnityCare Health Centers is here to support you every step of the way.
You can also ask to connect with the CommUnityCare IDEALhealth Program. IDEALhealth provides inclusive, sex-positive care, including HIV and STI testing, prevention services like PrEP, education, and support to help you make informed decisions about your health.
HIV prevention is possible. To schedule an appointment or learn more, contact us at 512-978-9015. To learn more about the IDEALhealth Program or schedule an appointment online, CLICK HERE.
