HIV Alliance COVID-19 Response: Resources for People Living with HIV

Click here for information about changes to HIV Alliance HIV client services.

Information about COVID-19 and HIV

HIV Alliance staff is available to assist clients who are concerned about COVID-19. If you are in need of assistance from your care coordinator, we ask that you please reach out for assistance over the phone rather than coming into the office. Click here for an update (March 23) from HIV Alliance and our partners on the impact of COVID-19 on HIV care coordination services.

Taking Precautions

People living with HIV with lower CD4 counts (<200 cells/mL) might experience more severe illnesses. We recommend that people living with HIV take extra precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19:

1. Get vaccinated.
2. Avoid large crowds and contact with others, especially those who are sick.
3. If you come into contact with others, stay a minimum of six feet away.
4. Avoid non-essential travel.
5. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
7. Follow recommendations made by local public health officials.
8. Consider obtaining your HIV medications by mail.
9. Establish a clinical care plan to communicate with health care providers online or by phone.
10. Make sure you can maintain a social network remotely, such as online, by phone, or by video chat. This can help you stay socially connected and mentally healthy, which is especially important for people with HIV.
11. If you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your provider’s office to determine next steps.

Information about HIV Medications

No Known Medication Shortages

According to the CDC, drug shortages or anticipated problems with HIV medicine have not been identified. As of July 7, 2020, there were no reports of manufacturing concerns or supply shortages of ART or PrEP.

Obtaining HIV Medications by Mail

If you would like to receive your medications by mail order, there are a few options. If you use Jackson Care Connect, All Care, or Trillium, you can receive your medications via HIV Alliance mail order pharmacy, PharmBlue. If you have CAREAssist, you can receive mail order medications through CVS. Safeway is offering delivery service, curbside and mail service. Safeway is taking refill prescriptions 7 days in advance. Please contact your care coordinator if you have any questions.

Along with home delivery, PharmBlue offers the following services:

1. 24/7 access to a pharmacist
2. ‘Med-Sync’ – coordinates medication refill dates
3. Customized packaging options: Vials and Right-On-Time Packs
4. Private communication with pharmacy team
5. Monitor monthly refills for each medication
6. Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services

Contact your care coordinator to get enrolled with PharmBlue. The enrollment form is also available here: https://pharmblue.pharmacy/enrollment-form.php

COVID-19 Vaccine for People Living With HIV

Oregon has expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to individuals aged 12 years or older. People with underlying medical conditions who are at increased risk, which includes people living with HIV, are also eligible to get vaccinated. Click here for more information about the vaccine.

Getting Tested for COVID-19

You can locate a COVID-19 testing site near you through Oregon.gov’s Test Site Finder or by calling 211. You may also contact your care coordinator or healthcare provider.

Other Resources

CDC: Answers frequently asked questions about COVID-19 for people living with HIV.

OHA: Answers frequently asked questions about COVID-19 for people living with HIV.

Safe + Strong: Provides resources and information about COVID-19 in Oregon, including current requirements, community support resources, and recommendations for how to help protect yourself from the virus.

Oregon.gov: Provides up-to-date information about current governor’s orders and OHA guidelines, FAQs, information about getting tested for COVID-19, ongoing updates on COVID-19 prevalence in Oregon, and other resources.