Perinatal HIV Program

The St. Jude Perinatal HIV Program helps babies and families who may be affected by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is a virus that can make it harder for your body to respond to infections. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the illness that can happen if HIV is not treated.

Perinatal means the time before and just after a baby is born. Babies can be exposed to HIV if their mother has HIV during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

Our Perinatal HIV Program offers medical care, emotional support, and research opportunities for babies exposed to HIV and to their families. 

Pregnant women living with HIV and babies born to mothers living with HIV are referred to the program by their health care providers. 

Services we provide

We offer services that meet the medical and emotional needs of families:

• HIV testing for babies: We do a blood test on babies whose mothers have HIV. This test will tell us if the baby has the virus. If a baby has HIV, they can get care at St. Jude until they turn 24 years old.
• Medication management: Our on-site Pharmacy gives babies and mothers the medicine they need to prevent or treat HIV. We help families understand how to take the medicine the right way.
• Emotional and practical support: Families can get counseling (someone to talk to about their feelings), help with everyday problems, and tips on caring for their baby. We also teach infant massage, which can help babies relax and bond with their parents.

Your Perinatal HIV Program team

When you visit, you will meet a team of people who are here to help you. The team includes:

• A doctor: A pediatric infectious diseases physician who oversees care
• The clinic coordinator: Our clinic coordinator will reach out to you before your first appointment to make sure you have transportation and directions to the clinic. They will also answer any questions you may have.
• Advanced practice providers: Experts in HIV care who help with treatment
• Social worker: Provides counseling, support, helps solve problems, and teaches infant massage
• Pharmacist: Explains how to take your medicines and answers your questions

What to expect during your visit 

Your first visit will include:

• A full medical history and physical exam
• A meeting to talk about your family’s situation and what kind of support or help you may need
• Lab tests, including ultrasound-guided blood draws for babies
• An introduction to patient care services, including information about topics such as meals on campus and help with transportation

Learn more

The Perinatal HIV Program is in the Hughes Infectious Diseases Clinic at the St. Jude Patient Care Center. To refer an infant or learn more about our program, call 901-550-8976.