PEP Guidelines

PEP Guidelines

Federal and best-practice recommendations for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) decisions

The following guidelines and guidances from U.S.P.H.S, the CDC, and current literature provide information on identifying, managing, and following up on potential exposures to HIV and hepatitis B and C. To ensure timely post-exposure management and administration of HIV PEP, clinicians should consider occupational exposures urgent medical concerns.

Up-to-date Guidelines and guidances for potential exposure care

Current U.S. Public Health Service guidelines and select treatment protocols for managing exposures to HIV and hepatitis B and C. Guidelines on this page are updated in concordance with national updates for each topic. We reviewed and updated these guidelines as of 3/21/2025.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) Guidelines

  • Post-Sexual Exposure (nPEP) HIV Prevention Toolkit, 2018
    Open Link Open Link | From the AETC Program Rural Health Committee, National Clinician Consultation Center, Georgia Department of Public Health, International Association of Forensic Nurses, and the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership
  • Updated US Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis, 2013
    Open PDF Open PDF | From SHEA

  • U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis, 2001
    Open Link Open Link | From The CDC MMWR

  • Appendix A: Practice Recommendations for Health-Care Facilities Implementing the U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for Management of Occupational Exposures to Bloodborne Pathogens, 2001
    Open Link Open Link | From The CDC MMWR

  • Updated Guidelines for Anitretroviral Postexposure Prophylaxis After Sexual, Injection-Drug Use, or Other Nonoccupational Exposure to HIV, 2016
    Open PDF Open PDF | From The CDC MMWR

  • CDC Guidance for Evaluating Health-Care Personnel for Hepatitis B Virus Protection and for Administering Postexposure Management, 2013
    Open PDF Open PDF | From The CDC

  • Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2018
    Open PDF Open PDF | From The CDC

  • Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis, 2001
    Open PDF Open PDF | From The CDC MMWR

  • Testing and Clinical Management of Health Care Personnel Potentially Exposed to Hepatitis C Virus, 2020
    Open Link Open Link | From The CDC MMWR

  • Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C Virus Infection and HCV-Related Chronic Disease, 1998
    Open Link Open Link | From The CDC MMWR

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) Guidances

  • New York State Guidance for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to Prevent HIV Infection
    Open Link Open Link | From HIVGuidelines.org

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

      • Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines
        Open Link Open Link | From The CDC MMWR

Looking for clinical PrEP information? Visit our PrEP Guidelines and Resources page.