NHS to Offer First HIV-Prevention Injection in England and Wales

For the first time, people in England and Wales will be able to receive a long-acting injection to prevent HIV on the NHS, bringing the policy in line with Scotland. The jab — cabotegravir (CAB-LA) — is taken every two months and offers an alternative to daily PrEP tablets.

Health officials hope the rollout will help the UK reach its goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the approval “game-changing”, saying it gives new hope to people who cannot use oral PrEP reliably.

Daily PrEP pills remain highly effective, but many people struggle to take them. Some find it hard due to homelessness, domestic abuse, privacy concerns or fear of stigma at home. A long-acting injection provides discreet and convenient protection.

The jab will be offered to adolescents and adults at high risk of sexually acquired HIV who are eligible for PrEP but find tablets unsuitable. Around 1,000 people are expected to receive the injection at first. Others will stay on tablets.

Cabotegravir is made by ViiV Healthcare and must be used alongside safer-sex practices, including condoms. Although the list price is around £7,000 per person per year, the NHS has secured a confidential discount.

HIV charities welcomed the news but warned that sexual-health clinics are already facing long waits. They urged faster rollout and delivery in more settings, not just specialist clinics, to reach people who are currently underserved.

Experts also say more prevention options are coming. Early trial results for a second drug, lenacapavir, suggest an annual HIV-prevention jab might soon be possible.

Dr Michael Brady of NHS England said the new injection is a “significant addition to our HIV prevention strategy” and will help protect people who cannot rely on daily pills.