You don’t have to book an appointment to attend the free STI clinic. Photo: Amnaj Khetsamtip.
To encourage younger Canberrans to be proactive about their sexual health, a free walk-in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) clinic has opened in Civic and will run for at least six months.
“Dedicated to helping Canberrans be the best lovers they can be, Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) is launching a free walk-in STI clinic to encourage people aged under 30 to be proactive about their sexual health,” SHFPACT said in a statement.
SHFPACT says the service is targeted at the asymptomatic, under-tested under-30 demographic and will be the only dedicated walk-in STI testing clinic in the region.
The clinic offers free testing for STIs and blood-borne viruses (BBV).
No appointments are necessary, so if you want a check-up, you can walk in, register, and be seen by a nurse or doctor.
Information on sexual health will also be available, and professional educators will answer any questions.
SHFPACT senior medical officer Dr Clare Holberton said many STIs have no symptoms, and by getting tested, you are caring for yourself and your partners.
“I recommend everyone who is having sex to get screened at least once a year,” she said.
“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.”
Dr Holberton said the most common STIs are chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which can be tested for by peeing into a jar or by taking swabs.
Around 1300 people in the ACT tested positive for chlamydial infections in 2024, and around 80 had syphyllis.
“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,” she said.
“If the test shows an infection, we will call you to arrange for treatment. We will also help you work out how to let any partners know to get tested and treated.”
The clinic will also offer cervical cancer screening for women over 25 who have no symptoms.
“This test checks for HPV (human papillomavirus). To do this test, you just need to put a swab into your vagina for 20 to 30 seconds,” Dr Holberton said.
“If no virus is detected, your next test will be in five years.
“If any virus is detected, our nurse will contact you about the results and plan further testing.”
The walk-in clinic will operate from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm every Tuesday at Level 1, 28 University Avenue, Civic.
For more information, visit SHFPACT.
The project has been funded for six months, but SHFPACT hopes that a successful trial run will lead to the long-term implementation of the service.
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