What if a regular clinic is closed?
If you cannot reach your normal provider, CDC specifically lists urgent care and emergency departments as places to ask about PEP after a recent possible HIV exposure. The goal is to be evaluated quickly enough to start treatment within the 72-hour window if a clinician recommends it.
Why 72 hours matters
PEP works by using HIV medicines after a possible exposure. CDC says it must be started within 72 hours and that every hour counts. Waiting until the next convenient appointment can use up part of that window.
What should I tell the clinician?
You do not need to have every detail figured out before seeking care. Be ready to explain when the possible exposure happened, what type of exposure occurred, whether a condom or other barrier was used, and any information you know about the other person’s HIV status. The clinician decides whether PEP is indicated.
What happens if PEP is prescribed?
CDC says PEP is generally taken daily for 28 days. Follow-up HIV testing and other sexual-health care may also be recommended.
What about the Wellington provider linked by Get Tested PB?
The linked Wellington healthcare provider lists PEP among its services. If you are outside normal availability or cannot get a timely response, do not delay urgent evaluation simply to wait for that provider.
Full HIV PEP guide → PrEP vs PEP
This page is general education. It does not determine whether a specific exposure requires PEP.