Under 30? You can now access free STI testing every Tuesday

Continuing to help Canberrans be the best lovers they can be, we are now offering a free walk-in STI clinic every Tuesday evening for people under 30.

Open late every Tuesday, the clinic operates from 4:30pm-7:30pm to allow people with 9-5’s and school the chance to be proactive about their sexual health.

Built on a model of quick, easy, hassle-free testing, people will be able to be tested for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infection) and BBVs (Blood Borne Virus) on-site and free of charge.

“We will be offering different tests. The most common STIs are chlamydia & gonorrhoea this can be tested by peeing into a jar. These infections are also detected on swabs,” said Dr Clare Holberton, Senior Medical Officer "We will also offer blood tests. These tests check for hepatitis, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). You do not have to have a blood test – the choice is yours.”

There are no appointments, just walk in, register, and be seen by one of our nurses or doctors.

Along with no-cost testing, sexual health information will be available at the clinic with ample resources accessible and professional educators on hand to answer any questions.

The walk-in STI Testing Clinic is supported by the ACT Health Directorate. Funded for an initial six months, if successful we are hopeful that we will be able to implement this as a long-term service.

“I recommend everyone who is having sex to get screened at least once a year. It is reassuring to be able to tell any new partner that you have been screened. Remember you can feel totally fine, have absolutely no symptoms, and still have an STI that you can pass on,” said Dr Holberton.