A new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) clinic has opened on College campus following action taken by the Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU).
The clinic will provide increased accessibility to PrEP, a medication that can prevent HIV transmission.
Speaking to Trinity News following the announcement, TCDSU President Jenny Maguire highlighted the importance of the clinic in ensuring easier access to PrEP in Dublin.
“Access to PrEP across this country is still incredibly limited, forcing people to travel across the country just for an appointment.”
”We are delighted that students, researchers and staff will now have access to PrEP right here in the city centre.”
PrEP, when taken correctly, has been found to be about 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission, according to HIV Ireland.
Despite the availability of PrEP in Ireland, individuals not covered by public or private health insurance face significant challenges in accessing PrEP and related services.
The opening of the on-campus clinic seeks to address this issue by offering an easily accessible location for students, and members of the wider community, who wish to avail of this facility.
Speaking to Trinity News, Maguire also highlighted ongoing concerns regarding healthcare for transgender individuals at College Health.
“The medical treatment of queer people is defined by our struggle,” she noted.
“As College Health moves forward with this much-needed initiative, its refusal to provide blood tests for trans people on HRT is a stain on any progress it makes. Though we welcome this move, we do so with the hope of having a health service that supports the needs of all queer people.”
Appointments at the clinic can be scheduled by calling the College Health reception at 01 8961591, 01 8961556 or 01 8968555.
For those seeking to avail of PrEP for free, a Personal Public Service (PPS) number is required. Individuals without a PPS number can still access the clinic’s services free of charge, but will need to purchase the medication separately.
Additionally, any trans person looking for injection supplies and harm reduction advice can contact Hamza, the current Welfare and Equality Officer of TCDSU, at [email protected].
The launch of this PrEP clinic marks a significant milestone for sexual health services in Trinity and highlights the role played by TCDSU in advocating for student and community health needs.
