PrEP

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and refers to the preventive use of medication to prevent HIV infection. It requires a prescription, is medically supervised, and is directed exclusively against HIV. On set, it never replaces the condom requirement.

This entry explains the role PrEP plays in the working environment of performers. You must clarify exclusively with a medical practice whether it makes sense for you personally, how it is taken, and which examinations are involved.

What PrEP covers and what it does not

The protective effect concerns a single pathogen. PrEP does not work against syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, or other sexually transmitted infections. Yet these are precisely the infections that tend to play a greater role in day-to-day work on set and for which tests and condoms are intended.

Using PrEP therefore does not mean that you are considered more protected than others on set. The same rules apply: a current test certificate, condoms during vaginal and anal intercourse, and stopping if there is any doubt.

Not an argument for foregoing condoms

The argument occasionally arises in the industry that PrEP and a recent test make it possible to forgo condoms. We rule this out. The condom requirement applies without exception and depends neither on the test result nor on medical prevention. A production that suggests you film without a condom because of PrEP is departing from the agreed conditions, and you should report this to the agency.

Conversely, a production may not require anyone to take PrEP in order to be booked. Medical treatment is a personal decision and not a hiring requirement.

Your status is private

Whether you use PrEP is health information. You do not have to disclose it during casting or on set, and it does not belong on a sedcard, in a profile, or in a booking request. For safety on set, only a valid test certificate and compliance with the condom requirement are decisive.

If you mention it nevertheless, for example because you have questions, the information should be treated confidentially. If a production specifically asks about PrEP, it is reasonable to ask in return what the information is needed for.

Costs and medical supervision

The STI panel is included among the costs covered by the production in our placements. PrEP is separate from this and is not billed through the production. In Germany, statutory health insurance may cover the costs under certain conditions. The practice or your health insurance provider can tell you what these conditions are and whether they apply to you.

PrEP requires regular medical check-ups. Points of contact include specialized practices, checkpoints, and many public health offices, which also provide advice on tests and vaccinations. The article Health on Set explains how tests, deadlines, and costs relate to work on set.

What you should keep in mind

On set, never rely on what others say about their prevention; rely on the rules that apply to everyone. And do not start or stop PrEP on your own just because a booking is coming up. This decision belongs in a medical consultation, not in the filming schedule.