Syringes Now Available in San Francisco

On April 12, 2005, a lifesaving new law took effect in San Francisco that allows pharmacists who elect to do so to sell syringes to adults without a prescription. While syringe exchange sites remain essential and will continue to be available in San Francisco (many of them run by the HIV Prevention Project at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation), the ability to purchase syringes at pharmacies is critical to preventing the further spread of HIV and other bloodborne illnesses among injection drug users and their sexual partners.

Syringes are now available for sale at all Walgreens stores in San Francisco and at some Rite Aid stores. A list of pharmacies where syringes are being sold is available by calling 415-863-AIDS. Syringes sell for about 50 cents each, and the new law allows pharmacists to provide as many as ten to a customer in one purchase. Customers will not be asked for their names or any identification.

Stores selling syringes will also provide disposal containers that can be filled with used syringes and returned to the pharmacy for safe disposal. There is no charge for this service.

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation fought for three years alongside other advocates to secure passage of state legislation that permits pharmacy sale of syringes without a prescription. "We are pleased that California has joined 44 other states in implementing a law that provides greater access to sterile syringes," said Fred Dillon, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation's Policy and Communications director. "This new law will further reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis and will ultimately save lives."