Packing the Essentials: Why PrEP Belongs on Your Summer Checklist

The summer season is officially on the horizon. As we start making lists of everything we need for festival season, weekend getaways, and summer holidays, our thoughts usually turn to the obvious essentials: passport, sunglasses, and a reliable suncream. But this year, the PaSH Partnership is asking you to add one more vital item to your summer checklist: PrEP.

Coinciding with PrEP Awareness Week (Monday 22nd June – Friday 26th June), we are launching our “PrEP for Summer” campaign across Greater Manchester and Liverpool. Our mission is simple: we want everyone to enjoy a safe, confident, and vibrant summer while taking full control of their sexual health.

What is PrEP?

If you haven’t come across it yet, PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a simple, highly effective medication taken by people not living with HIV to prevent acquiring HIV. When taken correctly, it reduced the risk of getting HIV through sex by over 90%.

Just like applying suncream blocks harmful UV rays before you get burned, taking PrEP protects your immune system before you are exposed to HIV. It’s an empowering, proactive tool that puts your health entirely in your own hands.

PrEP is for Everyone (Yes, Everyone)

One of the biggest myths surrounding PrEP is that it is only meant for specific groups of people. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

HIV does not discriminate, and neither does PrEP.

PrEP can be taken by anyone, regardless of your sexuality, gender identity, or relationship status. Whether you are a cisgender woman, a trans man, a trans woman, non-binary, straight, gay, bisexual, polyamorous or monogamous, if you are sexually active and want an extra layer of protection, PrEP could be right for you.

It is a brilliant option if:

• You don’t always use condoms.

• You have multiple sexual partners or partners whose HIV status you don’t know.

• You want the peace of mind that comes with being completely in charge of your own HIV prevention.

Heading Abroad? Travel Tips for Your PrEP Routine

If you’re already on PrEP or thinking about starting before you travel, planning ahead is key to a stress-free holiday:

• Count your pills: Make sure you have enough to last your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays.

• Pack it in your hand luggage: Keeping your medication in your carry-on ensures it won’t get lost if your checked bags go missing.

• Keep your routine: Crossing time zones can be tricky. Use a daily phone alarm set to your usual home time zone to make sure you never miss a dose, whether you are taking it daily or using event-based dosing.

Look Out for the PaSH Partnership This June

Our incredible teams from BHA for Equality, LGBT Foundation, and George House Trust are always out on the ground throughout Greater Manchester and Liverpool. We have outreach stalls, hosting advice clinics, and providing free sexual health tools both in person and online.

Come say hi to our team to grab:

• Free PrEP Advice: Chat with us confidentially about how to get PrEP for free on the NHS and get help booking a clinic appointment or fast-track service.

• Free STI & HIV Testing: Pick up a full screening kit at a stall, or order one online for free, discrete home delivery. Knowing your status is a vital part of staying safe on PrEP.

• Free Summer Essentials: We’ll be handing out free condoms and lube to pack in your suitcase, alongside info and advice on DoxyPEP and the Gonorrhoea and MPox vaccines.

Don’t let worry cloud your summer. Get holiday-ready, pack your essentials, and get on PrEP.