17 April 26
Ending HIV
Getting tested in Snowy Monaro
Whether the Snowy Mountains are covered in glistening snow or sprinkled with wildflowers, the Snowy Monaro region sure knows how to put on a show.
Many people come to ski and enjoy the nightlife in Jindabyne and the surrounds during the snow season, but what remains is a community of people who look after each other.
Part of that community care comes down to looking after our sexual health. Regular HIV and STI check-ups are a great way to stay healthy and look after yourself and your partners.
How to get tested for HIV and STIs in the Snowy Monaro region
There are three great ways you can find tests in the region:
- Book a test with sexual health nurse Chris in Jindabyne
- Get a sexual health checkup with a general practitioner (GP)
- Order a free & discreet HIV self-test online
Find out more below about how you can get a test that’s right for you.
Book a test with sexual health nurse Chris in Jindabyne
In the lead up to HIV Testing Week (June 1-7), a pop-up clinic will be open in Jindabyne where you can get a rapid HIV and STI test with sexual health nurse Chris. Book here.
You can also find him at Jindabyne HealthOne on the first Tuesday of every month – though make sure to call and book your appointment ahead of time.
Sexual health check-ups are completely free and confidential, and no Medicare card is required.
Chris can also offer a virtual appointment if that’s preferable, and you’ll be given a pathology form to complete testing near you. Other than HIV and STI testing and treatment, Chris can also offer support in accessing PEP and PrEP.
Call or text Chris on 0427 452 059 to book your appointment.
Get a sexual health checkup with a GP
Getting tested with a GP is a great way to access testing in the region. Find a local GP that offer sexual health testing below:
- Bombala Street Surgery, Cooma
- Jindabyne Medical Practice, Jindabyne
- Monaro Medical Practice, Cooma
- Ochre Medical Centre, Cooma
- Snowy Mountains Medical Centre, Jindabyne
- Thredbo Medical Centre, Thredbo
When you make your appointment, consider if the clinic offers bulk-billing appointments, or if private billing is in place; you can call and ask what to expect with costs ahead of attending your appointment.
If you have a private health insurance policy, that may also help offset the cost of attending any sexual health testing.
Get tested at Queanbeyan or Bega Sexual Health Clinics
While it’s a bit of a drive for some, you might also like a road trip to Queanbeyan or Bega to visit a sexual health clinic. You may even prefer the privacy offered by testing outside of their area.
Public sexual health clinics such as these are free and confidential, with no Medicare card required to attend. Be sure to call and book your appointment ahead of time.
Bega Sexual Health Clinic
Address: 4 Virginia Drive, Bega 2550
Operating out of South East Regional Hospital (SERH)
Call to book: 0477 337 585
Queanbeyan Sexual Health Clinic
Address: Corner of Collett Street & Erin Street, Queanbeyan
Operating out of the Queanbeyan Community Health Centre
Call to book: 0427 893 247
Order a free and discreet HIV self-test online
Some people may prefer to use HIV self-testing kits, especially if they are particularly concerned with privacy or find it difficult to attend health services.
The good news is you can order them for free by visiting hivtest.au! These HIV self-tests are easy to complete and give results in just 15 minutes.
They are delivered in discreet packaging to an address you nominate, and can be completed in the privacy of the home or a location of your choosing.
Find out what’s involved and how to use your HIV self-test by watching the video below:
@endinghiv Did you know you can test for HIV at home? Watch as Daniel walks us through the process. It’s free, easy & confidential! See the link in bio for more info on the self-testing kits and how to order a free one. Let’s test! #HIV #gettested #lgbtq ♬ original sound – Ending HIV
How often should you test?
Depending on how you identify, it’s usually advised to get tested for HIV and STIs at least once a year, so long as you are sexually active.
For gay, bi and other men who have sex with men, we recommend getting tested every three months. For people who take PrEP to reduce their risk of HIV, getting tested every three months is something they do in tandem with getting new PrEP scripts.
If you are interested in learning more about PrEP or starting on it, bring it up with your doctor or sexual health nurse next time you book in.
You can also call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 to speak with a nurse to learn more, or ask any other questions you might have about testing or PrEP.