New jab to treat HIV every two months approved by NHS
13,000 people will be able to get the jab
Last updated 27th May 2022
The NHS has approved an injection which will dramatically reduce the number of times people need to medicate against HIV.
People who suffer from the virus have had to take a pill - known as PrEP - every day to keep the disease at bay.
But now, the new jabs announced will mean people will only need to have two injections every two months to stave off the condition.
Clinical trials conducted by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence showed that the jab was just as effective as taking the pill to keep the level of the virus low.
Over 13,000 people will be eligible for the "long-acting injectable" treatment, reducing the need to medicate from 365 times a year to just six.
Speaking about the development, Head of Policy at the Terrence Higgins Trust, Debbie Laycock, said it was "incredible news".
"We have incredibly effective treatment which means HIV is now a manageable virus, however, it is lifelong so it is important that taking treatment is as easy as possible," she said.
'This is a great step forward as we work towards ending new cases of HIV by 2030. The institute's decision brings great potential for HIV prevention including long-lasting PrEP in the future."