PrEP: Stakes high for AF

If the policy were different, Lt. Jones – who asked a first name not be used for this story for privacy reasons - might be transferring to the Air Force knowing it is short of pilots. But Jones, who has served in the Navy as an E-2 Hawkeye pilot since 2010, will extend his naval career instead of joining the AF Reserve. The reason is that the AF does not allow its pilots to take human immunodeficiency virus medication (Truvada) to prevent HIV infection. The Navy does. Jones doesn't have HIV. AF policy takes the conservative approach, since the medication is commonly used by gay, sexually active individuals. Meanwhile, AF leaders say they need time to rewrite older policies. Pilots see the denial of the prescription as a move that indicts them under an assumption they live promiscuous lifestyles. AF officials say the policy is based on safety concerns. The stakes are high. One pilot said his career was brought to an end over his use of the pre-exposure prophylaxis treatment (PrEP). Others say they were subjected to intrusive questions by health care providers over their pursuit of the drug. However, the AF may be considering a decision on allowing the use of the PrEP this fall, officials told Military.com. (Source: Military.com 06/10/18)