HIV prevention jab approved for use in England and Wales – here’s how it works

Cabotegravir is a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep). Svitlana Hulko/ Shutterstock

The first ever injectable drug that can prevent HIV has been approved for use in England and Wales.

The drug, cabotegravir, would benefit an estimated 1,000 people at risk of HIV in England and Wales. It offers a long-acting alternative to other existing preventive HIV drugs, which are only available as pills and usually must be taken on a daily basis.