Want the six-monthly HIV jab? Here’s your nine-step clinic cheat sheet
A step-by-step guide to what really happens at the clinic when you go for lenacapavir, the new six-monthly HIV prevention jab, from initial testing to injection day.
Lenacapavir (LEN) is a six-monthly HIV jab that requires a series of appointments and treatments at a specialized clinic. To begin, patients must undergo an HIV test. If the test indicates that LEN is suitable for the patient, they will receive two pills and two injections, either in the tummy or buttocks. Following the injections, patients must take two more pills the next day.
About a month later, they will visit the clinic for a check-up. Six months after the initial injections, patients will return for two additional doses of LEN, if they still wish to maintain protection.
Phumlani Clinic in Philippi, Cape Town, has seen a surge in patients requesting LEN by name since its introduction on June 5. Clinic doctor Cleo Lucas attributes this interest to the proliferation of short videos, social media posts, and news stories promoting the new HIV jab. The ease of remembering the treatment schedule is a significant advantage for patients, as they only need to take the LEN jab twice a year.
However, patients must still attend appointments and undergo necessary tests to ensure the jab's effectiveness.
Written by urgent.news from Bhekisisa's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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