On December 1st, World AIDS Day 🎗️, it usually sounds like a serious campaign, a red ribbon, and not much else. But if you're reading this from PeC, 
what you're probably interested in is:
"Okay, where are we really at with the HIV vaccine? 💉
And that famous PrEP they say is almost foolproof? 🛡️"
Let's get to that: real progress, clear numbers 📊, and how it affects you when you drop your pants down 👖🍆.
1️⃣ HIV Vaccine: it's not here yet, but it's no longer science fiction 💉🚀
First, the harsh reality: there is currently NO commercial vaccine against HIV. You still can't go to the health center to "get the AIDS vaccine" like you would for the flu shot 💉🤧.
So what the hell are we celebrating then? 😅
That in recent years there has been a huge leap in research, mainly thanks to:
mRNA technology (the same concept as COVID vaccines) 🧬
New ways to "educate" the immune system 🧠🦠
Some key points 🔍:
There are ongoing vaccine trials with mRNA specific to HIV.
Several studies have shown that very potent antibodies can be induced (bNAbs), something that was not seen before.
The scientific community is much more optimistic: for the first time, there are clear paths to a real vaccine, although it will still take years to see it in pharmacies ⏳.
Translation to PeC language 🗣️:
You won't be able to get vaccinated against HIV in 2025, or probably in 2026. But for the first time in decades, there is technology and results pointing to the vaccine no longer being a crazy dream, but a project in progress 🛣️.
Meanwhile, the important thing is not to wait for the vaccine as if it were the high-speed train 🚄:
strong prevention already exists and it's called PrEP.
2️⃣ PrEP: the "almost vaccine" that is already available 🛡️💊
The PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medication taken by people without HIV to minimize the risk of infection. And we're not talking about "a little less risk" here:
When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring HIV through sex by around 99% 🧮
In "real-world" studies, effectiveness remains very high if taken seriously and not "occasionally" ⏰💊
In bar language, that's "almost a vaccine"…
with a very important condition:
👉 you have to take it as directed.
2.1. Types of PrEP used today 💊
💊 Daily pill (oral)
Combinations like F/TDF or F/TAF (your doctor will provide names and brands).
Effectiveness: up to ~99% if taken daily as prescribed 📆.
📅 "On-demand" PrEP (2-1-1 schedule) for some MSM
Take it before and after intercourse, following a specific schedule.
No improvising: your doctor needs to assess it 👩⚕️👨⚕️ as it doesn't apply to everyone or all contexts.
💉 Long-acting injectable (every 2 months)
Instead of a daily pill, you receive an injection every so often.
It has shown brutal effectiveness, even better than oral PrEP in some studies.
Ideal for people who know they will struggle with pills 🤷♂️.
🔮 New long-acting injectables (like twice a year)
There are drugs in development that could be administered only every 6 months.
If the data is confirmed, it will be like a mix between PrEP and a "temporary vaccine": shot ➜ months protected.
Quick conclusion 🧾:
When it comes to HIV prevention today, the winning combo is:
👉 PrEP + regular testing 🧪 + condom when needed 🍆🛡️ + good sexual communication 🗣️
3️⃣ What does this mean for you as a PeC member? 🤝🐓
Here comes the practical part, no moralizing:
Blaming doesn't prevent anything, information does. 📚
– Masturbating in a group, having sex, dating, trying things... all of that can be healthy if done sensibly 🧠 and without lying to yourself.The vaccine is slow 🐌, but PrEP is here now 🏃♂️.
– If you have an active sex life with men, multiple partners, unprotected sex, or don't always control the context well...
👉 ask about PrEP at your health center, reference hospital, or STI clinic.It's not just the pill: the package includes tests and follow-up 🧪🩺.
– Being on PrEP usually involves regular tests (HIV, STIs, kidney function, etc.).
– Far from being a hassle, it's a way to be more careful and medically monitored than many people who never get checked.At PeC, we don't prescribe anything: we give you ammunition to talk to professionals 🎯.
– PeC is a private club for masturbation and sexuality among friends 🤝, not a clinic.
– What you read here is information to help you talk to your doctor, nurse, or STI unit knowing what you're talking about and being able to say:
"I want to consider PrEP and have you explain which option is best for me 💊🛡️."
4️⃣ PeC Message for this December 1st 🎗️💬
In the 80s, talking about HIV meant talking about death ⚰️.
Today we talk about:
People with HIV with undetectable viral load = untransmittable (U=U) 🔬
PrEP with up to 99% effectiveness if taken correctly 🛡️
Vaccines in development with new technologies 🧬 that, although slow, are no longer science fiction
At PeC, we want desire 😈 not to be at odds with care ❤️.
That you can enjoy your sexuality —alone or with friends— without living in fear or being misinformed.
If this World AIDS Day you want to do something for yourself:
✅ Get tested if it's been a while 🧪
✅ Ask about PrEP if you think it's right for you 💊
✅ Have open conversations about sex, risks, and pleasures with your people 🗣️
The vaccine's future is on its way 🚀.
In the meantime, your body and health already have powerful tools today 🛡️.
Use them.
Questions and answers
❓ Is there already an HIV vaccine that I can get at the health center?
No. There is currently no commercial vaccine against HIV available to the public. There are trials underway and significant advancements, but we are still in the research phase. What does exist is PrEP, which is a highly effective preventive medication.
❓ So, is PrEP like a vaccine?
Technically, it's not a vaccine, it's a preventive