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Fight COVID. / Fight HIV.

Fight COVID. Fight HIV.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught America’s healthcare system about fighting a highly contagious, deadly virus. DC Health is applying some of the urgency and innovation used to fight COVID-19 pandemic to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

For the past two and a half years, we have been focused on COVID-19, and neglecting many other health care precautions such as regular screenings, particularly for HIV. COVID-19 still gets far more media attention, but HIV remains a significant medical issue facing the D.C. Metro area.

HIV Testing, Detection and Prevention Are Every Bit as Important as Testing for COVID-19.

  • People with HIV also have higher rates of certain underlying health conditions.
  • Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to get very sick if they get COVID-19.
  • This is especially true for people with advanced HIV or people with HIV who are not on a treatment regimen.

Remember the 3 Ts to Fight COVID and Fight HIV

  • Testing for HIV is an easy and free way to protect yourself and others.
  • Test for COVID-19 when experiencing symptoms or if you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.
  • Test for HIV annually.

Fight COVID. Fight HIV. Fight Stigma.

Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger toward ordinary people instead of focusing on the condition that is causing the problem. Stigma can also make people more likely to hide symptoms or illness, keep them from seeking health care immediately, and prevent individuals from adopting healthy behaviors. This means that stigma can make it more difficult to control the spread of an outbreak.

If we commit to making positive and informed changes in our families and communities, we can help end COVID-19 and HIV stigma and work to stop these conditions together.

740000+

People Opted-In to DC CAN

8

COVID Testing Centers

1572961

Total Doses Administered within DC

Safely Test for COVID-19 and HIV

District of Columbia COVID-19 Testing Sites

At the District’s COVID Centers, individuals have access to vaccinations, boosters, take-home rapid antigen tests, and self-administered PCR tests.

Register SAME-DAY for your COVID PCR test at coronavirus.dc.gov/register or go to your nearest COVID Center to register on-site; no appointment is necessary.

DC Health and Wellness Center

The DC Health and Wellness Center remains committed to our community and to helping people stay safe and healthy. We offer services in person at the Health and Wellness Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—services are available by appointment only (please call 202-741-7692 to make an appointment).

Some types of appointments may be handled via telehealth visits. Currently, we are offering the following services:

  • Testing and treatment for patients with STIs/STI symptoms
  • Emergency Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) starts and routine visits
  • Rapid HIV Anti-Retroviral treatment starts
  • Prescription refills
  • Assistance with benefits and access to other services

Please call us at 202-741-7692. We are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for people with HIV?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people with HIV. COVID-19 vaccines meet the Food and Drug Administration’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality and people with HIV were included in vaccine clinical trials.

Authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines will continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring. This includes using established and new safety monitoring systems to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

Are people with HIV at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 than others?

We are still learning about COVID-19 and how it affects people living with HIV. Nearly half of people in the United States with diagnosed HIV are ages 50 and older. People with HIV also have higher rates of certain underlying health conditions. Older age and underlying health conditions can make people more likely to become seriously ill if they get COVID-19. This is especially true for people with advanced HIV or people with HIV who are not following a treatment regimen.

People at increased risk for severe illness, and those who live with or visit them, should take precautions (including getting vaccinated and wearing a well-fitting mask) to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

Will COVID-19 vaccines interfere with medicine to treat or prevent HIV?

There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines interfere with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV or antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat HIV. Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines.

What can people with HIV do to protect themselves from COVID-19?

People with HIV can protect themselves from COVID-19 by following CDC’s COVID-19 prevention recommendations.

  • If you have HIV and are taking your HIV medicine as prescribed, it is vital to continue your treatment and follow your health care provider’s advice. This is the best way to keep your immune system healthy. People with HIV should also continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Here are more steps that people with HIV can take:

  • Ensure you have at least a 30-day (or longer) supply of your HIV medicine and any other medicines or medical supplies you need to manage HIV. Ask your health care provider about getting your prescription by mail.
  • Talk to your health care provider and make sure all your vaccinations are up to date, including vaccinations against seasonal influenza (flu) and bacterial pneumonia. These vaccine-preventable diseases affect people with HIV more than others.
  • When possible, keep your medical appointments. Check with your health care provider about safety precautions for office visits and ask about telemedicine or remote clinical care options.
  • People with HIV can sometimes be more likely than others to need extra help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. If you become sick, make sure you stay in touch by phone or email with people who can help you.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms that could be consistent with COVID-19.

It’s important to continue taking your HIV medicine as prescribed. This will help keep your immune system healthy.

Learn more about COVID-19 and what to do if you get sick.

What can everyone do to minimize the stigma about COVID-19?

Minimizing stigma and misinformation about COVID-19 is very important. People with HIV have experience dealing with stigma and can be allies in preventing COVID-19 stigma. Learn how you can reduce stigma and help prevent the spread of rumors about COVID-19.

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