Once a Year – Making STI testing part of your regular health routine!

There's nothing shameful about getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It's common, everyday health testing that can be done by primary care providers, walk-in clinics, and sexual health clinics.  

For a few years now, regions across Canada have been seeing elevated rates of sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs). Some of these have been high enough for health emergencies to be declared in different areas for things like HIV and syphilis. If you’re having sex, getting tested is a great and easy way to protect you and your partner(s) from getting or spreading STIs. 

You make a difference by getting tested once a year — book a test today! 

Other ways to get checked: 

Depending on where you live, there may be programs that offer different ways to access free STI screening, testing, or even self-testing. Click on the below links to learn more about: 

• GetCheckedOnline is a service provided by the Clinical Prevention Services Division at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), as part of the Provincial Health Services Authority.  The BC Centre f​or Disease Control is located in Vancouver. 
• GetaKit is a study from the University of Ottawa, undertaken in partnership with local public health units in Ontario, which offers an online assessment system for access to free lab-based testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. 
• Nova Scotia Health’s STI Care Now program offers free, confidential self-testing kits and virtual care to Nova Scotians aged 15 years and older seeking testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis testing or HIV screening. 
• I’m Ready is a national STBBI program to connect Canadians to tools and services for HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. People across Canada can order up to two free kits to self-test for HIV – either a blood-based finger prick test or an oral swab test. 
• Our Healthbox is a “smart”, interactive dispensing machine that provides free and low barrier access to self-testing kits for HIV and COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, plus harm reduction, sexual health, and other essential supplies. Harm reduction and sexual health supplies may vary depending on regional needs and supply availability. It’s also a machine that provides health information, and a support services directory for people to find the health care they need—in their community. Our Healthboxes can be found in 20+ locations across Canada. 

See below for links to our STI Testing FAQ, as well as info on testing, after testing, safer sex, and accessing risk. 

Why once a year? 

When it comes to STIs, the most common symptom is actually no symptom at all – getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI. 

For anyone having sex, especially if you have more than one sexual partner per year, getting tested once a year is a great starting point to know what’s going on with your health and your body.  

Just like how it’s good to go to the dentist at least once a year, getting tested for STIs at least once a year helps you stay on top of any sexual health concerns, and helps inform any conversations and safer sex practices you have with sexual partners. You can always test more often if need be! 

Knowing your status means you can make more informed decisions about your sex life. 

Campaign History 

Once A Year is a social marketing campaign encouraging young people to incorporate STBBI testing into their normal health routine. Kicking off in 2018, this campaign has been adapted to run across Canada for different youth audiences in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Saskatoon, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Yellowknife. Click on the timeline below to learn more about the different campaigns. 

Timeline: 

• 2019 - National 
• 2020 – Greater Toronto Area 
• 2021 – Calgary, Saskatoon 
• 2023 – National (Edmonton, Montreal, Winnipeg) 
• 2025 – Winnipeg 
• 2026 – Yellowknife 

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada's HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund. 

Thanks to the National Youth Advisory Board and all of our community partners for their support and guidance.