Setting Up Testing Reminders

This service is being discontinued as part of the SmartSexResource website redesign. As of December 1, 2021 we will no longer be sending testing or vaccination reminders by email or text.

We encourage you to set up testing reminders on your mobile device using the information provided below.

Regular STI testing

If you are having sex, it’s a good idea to get tested at least once a year.

If you are having sex, and you or your partners have more than one partner, it’s a good idea to get tested every 3 to 6 months.

Retesting for people who had an STI

People who have had an STI are more likely to get that STI again or get another STI.

If you had chlamydia or gonorrhea, you should retest in 6 months.

If you had syphilis, you should retest in 3 months. Talk to your health care provider if you’re not sure when to retest.

When to schedule your next Hepatitis vaccine dose

Hepatitis A and B can be passed through sex. You can get vaccinated for these STIs. In British Columbia, hepatitis A and B can be given separately or in combination (Twinrix).

Note that the dose schedules given here are for people age 16 years and older.

The hepatitis A vaccine has 2 doses (1st dose and 6 months after) but people living with HIV need 3 doses (1st dose, 1 month and 6 months after).

The hepatitis B vaccine has 3 doses (1st dose, 1 month and 6 months after).

The Twinrix vaccine has 3 doses (1st dose, 1 month and 6 months after).

When to schedule your next HPV vaccine dose

Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV (genital warts), is passed through sex. You can get vaccinated for this STI. In British Columbia, the three types of HPV vaccines given are called Gardasil, Cervarix and Gardasil-9.

The Cervarix vaccine has 3 doses (1st dose, 1 month and 6 months after) for people age 15 and older, and 2 doses (1st dose and 6 months after) for people under 15 years of age.

The Gardasil vaccine has 3 doses (1st dose, 2 months and 6 months after) for people age 15 and older, and 2 doses (1st dose and 6 months after) for people under 15 years of age.

The Gardasil-9 vaccine has 3 doses (1st dose, 2 months and 6 months after).

PrEP follow up appointments

About 2 weeks before your medication runs out, you will need testing for HIV, STIs and kidney function.

About 1 week before your medication runs out, you will need to talk to your health care provider so they can review your test results and arrange for another 90 day prescription.

Give yourself enough time to get tested and talk to your provider so you do not run out of medication. Consider booking appointments with your provider in advance.