CDC Updates PEP Guidelines for Nonoccupational HIV Exposure
May 12, 2025
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released updated guidelines for nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV in the
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The guidelines replace those issued in 2016 and reflect current evidence, newer antiretroviral options, and updated recommendations for follow-up care and transition to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) when appropriate.
Of note to the blood and biotherapies community, the guidelines advise health care professionals to provide individuals seeking PEP with counseling and education on HIV prevention. This includes recommendations to reduce the risk of HIV transmission if infection occurs during the PEP period, such as avoiding condomless sex, not sharing injection equipment and refraining from blood or tissue donation until all donation criteria have been met.
AABB reminds health care providers that the Food and Drug Administration’s
May 2023 guidance recommends a three-month deferral for individuals taking oral medications for HIV prevention, including PEP and PrEP, due to the potential for these drugs to impact detection of HIV by donor testing. A person using injectable PrEP is deferred for two years after the last injection. Members can review
AABB’s PEP and PrEP frequently asked questions document for additional information about these medications and blood donation.
