HIV testing is a critical step toward protecting your health and the well-being of your community. In 2025, with advancements in treatment and prevention tools, early detection of HIV is more empowering than ever. Yet many people across Los Angeles County, including here in Long Beach, still face barriers to getting tested.

At Aviva Pharmacy, we believe that knowing your HIV status is about more than just a test—it’s about gaining control, reducing stigma, and opening the door to personalized care and support.

Why Is HIV Testing Still So Important?

Despite improvements in public health education and the availability of treatment, HIV remains a pressing concern, particularly in communities where healthcare access is limited. In LA County alone, thousands of individuals are living with undiagnosed HIV, which can delay treatment and unknowingly put partners at risk.

Benefits of Early HIV Testing:

• Faster access to life-saving care: Modern HIV treatment, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), helps people live long, healthy lives.

• Reduces transmission: Knowing your status helps prevent the spread to partners and allows you to make informed decisions.

• Peace of mind: Whether your results are negative or positive, testing eliminates uncertainty and gives you the power to take the next step.

What Happens When You Get Tested at Aviva Pharmacy?

At Aviva Pharmacy, we make the process easy, confidential, and stress-free. Here’s what to expect:

1. Walk-In or Appointment-Based Testing

No insurance? No ID? No problem. We offer free, confidential HIV testing with no appointment required. Just walk into our Long Beach location.

2. Quick and Painless

We perform a rapid HIV test, which requires just a small blood sample from a fingerstick. Results are available within 20 minutes.

3. Private Results and Support

Your privacy is our priority. Only you and your healthcare provider will have access to your test results.

If your result is reactive (positive), we immediately connect you to local healthcare partners or clinics that specialize in HIV care and can start you on treatment.

HIV Testing and the Bigger Picture: Total Sexual Health

While testing is critical, HIV prevention goes beyond the test itself. Many people, especially those with frequent partner changes or members of LGBTQ+ communities, can also benefit from preventive tools like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

At Aviva Pharmacy:

• We help patients explore ongoing prevention strategies like PrEP, a daily pill or long-acting injection that reduces HIV risk by more than 99% when used consistently.

• We also offer PEP, an emergency prevention medication started within 72 hours after potential HIV exposure.

By making HIV testing part of a larger prevention plan, we help patients take a proactive approach to their sexual health, especially in higher-risk populations.

Addressing Stigma and Access Barriers in LA County

Unfortunately, fear, stigma, and access barriers still discourage many people—especially people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and houseless individuals—from getting tested.

At Aviva Pharmacy, we work to break down these barriers through:

• Nonjudgmental care: Our team offers compassionate service in a safe, welcoming space.

• Community partnerships: We collaborate with local organizations to bring testing and prevention tools to vulnerable groups, including through street outreach or pop-up health clinics.

• Bilingual services: We serve patients in both English and Spanish, making our services more accessible to LA County’s diverse communities.

Who Should Get Tested for HIV?

HIV can affect anyone. However, the CDC recommends routine testing for:

• Everyone aged 13-64 at least once.

• Anyone with new or multiple sexual partners.

• Individuals who engage in unprotected sex.

• People who share needles or equipment for injecting drugs.

• Pregnant individuals (to protect their baby).

• LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly men who have sex with men.

Pro Tip:

For sexually active individuals in LA County, testing at least once a year—or more often depending on risk factors—is recommended.

Beyond HIV: Comprehensive Sexual Health at Aviva

While you’re at Aviva Pharmacy for HIV testing, our team can also help you access:

• Free or low-cost STI testing (for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and more).

• HPV vaccinations to protect against certain cancers.

• Safe sex supplies like condoms and lubricant.

We believe that HIV testing should be part of a bigger conversation about wellness, prevention, and empowerment—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Take Control?

Getting tested is simple, fast, and confidential. Whether you’re new to HIV testing or it’s part of your regular health routine, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Visit Aviva Pharmacy today to:

• Get a free rapid HIV test in a caring, supportive environment.

• Learn more about PrEP or PEP as additional prevention tools.

• Access additional STI testing and sexual health resources.

Stop by our Long Beach location or contact us for more info on how we support the health of our diverse LA County community.