sexual health testing!
When is testing?
Testing is done every Thursday from 5.30 - 7.30
Is there a cost?
No, testing is free. If you are simply accessing the venue for testing, let the team know and you will also get free entry to access testing.
Can I remain anonymous?
Yes
More information is available via the M Clinic Website - https://www.mclinic.org.au/outreach/steamworks/
What’s involved with a test?
Testing for STIs and BBVs is a very quick and discrete process, and won’t interrupt your night in the slightest.
All we do is take some basic contact information before one of our nurses takes a quick and easy blood-sample. From here, we send the samples off the following day, and we’ll be in touch if you need a follow-up, otherwise no news is good news!
Located in the main bar area, our team are always happy for a chat if you’d like to stop by, ask more about M Clinic and the services we provide, and to have a discreet check-up while you’re there.
Mpox (monkeypox)
WHAT IS MPOX
Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus, a virus that belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus but generally causes a milder illness.
There are two ‘clades’ of the virus – clade I and clade II. Clade II is generally associated with milder illness and was responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. Cases detected in Australia have been clade II infections to date.
The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 14 August 2024 for an outbreak of mpox clade I cases in Central and West Africa. This is separate to the milder (clade II) mpox cases seen in Australia.
Most people who have mpox will experience a mild illness and fully recover within 2-4 weeks.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of mpox can start 5 - 21 days after contact with the virus, such as after contact with a person with mpox or contact with contaminated materials.
People who have received a vaccine for mpox may experience a milder illness that may be very subtle (e.g. one pimple-like lesion).
Sores, rash, bumps or pimples (lesions) can be found anywhere on the body but are commonly found on:
genitals
anus or inside rectum, which may cause anal or rectal pain, bleeding, or bloody diarrhoea
inside the mouth and throat as ulcers, lesions or sores, which may cause sore throat or difficulty swallowing
face, arms, and legs.
Lesions often change and go through different stages, before forming a scab and falling off over a period of 2–4 weeks. They can appear as pimples, blisters, or sores, which can then burst to form ulcers or scabs. The lesions can sometimes be very painful and may cause scarring. Some people do not experience any pain which may make the symptoms less noticeable.
Lesions can vary in size and number with as little as a single lesion to several lesions.
People with mpox in the rectum or throat may not have a visible rash or lesion, but can still pass the infection onto others.
Symptoms of mpox may resemble sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes or syphilis as well as other infections with a rash such as measles or chickenpox.
Some people may also experience general viral symptoms at the start of their infection, such as:
fevers or chills
muscle or joint aches
backache
swollen lymph nodes
tiredness or exhaustion
headache.
VACCINATIONS
The best time to receive the mpox vaccine is before you are exposed to the virus. YOU CAN GET A VACCINATION AT PERTH STEAM WORKS EVERY THURSDAY FROM 5.30 - 7.30PM
Two doses of mpox vaccine received at least 28 days apart, are required for optimal protection.
The mpox vaccine takes approximately 2 weeks to be effective.
If you are exposed to mpox, receiving a vaccination within 4 days after first exposure to mpox will provide the highest chance of avoiding the disease.
Widespread vaccination is not currently recommended due to the very low risk of infection for the general population.
Who can get the mpox vaccine for free?
Those who are at risk of getting mpox and/or experiencing severe illness due to mpox, can access the vaccine, free-of-charge. This includes people who do not have a Medicare card.
The following people are recommended to be vaccinated against mpox:
all sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (including cis and trans)
sex workers, particularly those whose clients are at risk of mpox exposure
people living with HIV, if at risk of mpox exposure
sexual partners of the people above
laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses
healthcare workers who are at risk for mpox. For example, working at sexual health clinics and administering vaccinations to individuals requiring post exposure vaccination
Mpox vaccination is not currently recommended for travel unless one or more of the above eligibility criteria are met.
IF YOU CANT MAKE IT TO PERTH STEAM WORKS, YOU CAN ALSO GET VACCINATED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
Perth metropolitan area
Free mpox vaccine is available for eligible people through participating immunisation providers and sexual health clinics. Some clinics may charge for a consult – make sure you discuss this with your clinic before your appointment.
This includes, but are not limited to, the following clinics below.
Royal Perth Hospital Sexual Health Clinic phone: 9224 2178
GP on Beaufort (external site) phone: 9262 8600
M Clinic (external site) phone: 9227 0734
Sexual Health Quarters (external site) phone: 9227 6177
South Terrace Sexual Health Clinic (external site) phone: 9431 2149
Central City Medical Centre (external site) phone: 9225 1188
View St Medical (external site) phone: 9227 0170
Regional Western Australia
Free mpox vaccine is available for eligible people through regional Public Health Units or participating immunisation providers.