Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
In 2015, there were 317 people living with HIV or AIDS in St. Johns County, with a prevalence rate of 165 per 100K people, a small fraction of Florida’s rate of 615. But don’t get too smug, St. Augustine. That number should still be coming down. Also, there are people out there who haven’t been tested yet.
Once it is determined that a person is HIV-positive, they can be put on PEP to suppress the viral load. Their partner can take PrEP to lower their chances of becoming infected. But that’s not an excuse to stop using protection. PrEP cannot prevent you from getting other STIs.
In 2017, 698 people in St. Johns County were diagnosed with chlamydia, at a rate of 304.4 per 100K people, below Florida’s rate of 486.8. The gonorrhea and infectious syphilis rates were 59.8 and 4.4.
You can be tested at the St Johns County Health Department on San Sebastian View or the CVS MinuteClinic. There’s also MedOne Urgent Care on Ponce De Leon Blvd. There are many more options closer to Jacksonville.
Also, keep an eye on the calendars of local events and you may be able to catch a free STD testing event. They sometimes happen around STD Awareness Month or any awareness campaign.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2Â provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.Â
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.Â
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.Â
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.Â
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
Azalea Health is a private non-profit community and migrant health center. This health center got its start in 1977 in rural Putnam County, FL. This health center is also a federally qualified health center. All the physicians are either board certified or board eligible in family practice, internal medicine, or pediatrics. Azalea Health currently operates 11 primary care centers, three dental centers, and nine pharmacies.
St. Vincent’s Primary Care is a safe place to visit to receive personalized care and treatment services for a wide variety of diseases and injuries. Ascension St. Vincent’s is a faith-based, not-for-profit health system that has been helping Florida residents since 1873. This specific location offers family medicine and behavioral health.
The Azalea Health location in Palm Coast, FL is the newest location for Azalea Health. This clinic is located in Flagler County. At this clinic, patients will be able to find medical, mental health, pharmacy services, and Marketplace insurance assistance. This clinic has two providers, two family nurse practitioners, and one licensed social worker.
Azalea Health was established in Florida in 1977. This health care center is a non-profit community and migrant health center. This health center is also a federally qualified health center. They serve people in six counties including Alachua County, Clay County, Flagler County, Putnam County, St. Johns County, and Volusia County. More specifically, the Green Cove Springs clinic is located in Clay County.
The Hastings Center a part of Azalea Health offers medical services to residents who live in Hastings or Flagler Estates. This center is smaller than other clinic locations of Azalea Health as they only have one medical provider who is Raymond Mikelionis, MD. He specializes in family medicine. Unlike other health centers, the Hastings Center provides Spanish speaking staff members.
The St. Johns County Health Department a part of the Florida Department of Health is in charge of keep residents of St. Johns County healthy. The Department of Health of St. Johns provides public health services to more than 200,000 people. This county health department does a lot for community members like monitor health, diagnose & investigate diseases, enforce public health laws, link to and provide care, public health research, and much more.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Clinic hours 8am-4pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Perhaps because of the demographic that mainly makes up the population, St. John County has some of the lowest levels of HIV cases in the state. However, cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia in St. John are higher than in other parts of Florida.
For every 100,000 people in St. Johns County, 158 of them have been diagnosed with HIV. In the case of gonorrhea, 21 out of every 100,000 people in St. Johns County have it. 217 out of 100,000 people in the county have chlamydia and only one has what is referred to as early latent syphilis.
Outpatient clinics in St. Augustine see many people coming in for STD testing. These clinics test for the presence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, Hepatitis A and B and HIV. The HIV tests offered are oral and blood tests.
The eight most common types of STDs are the ones tested at facilities throughout the city. Test results are excluded from an individual’s medical records to ensure the utmost privacy for them, as it is understood that this is a very sensitive subject. Alternately individuals can choose to have their STD test results listed in their medical records if they wish. The STD testing performed there is always done accurately and confidentially. STD testing is taken very seriously throughout the city. The city urges its residents to get tested if they may be at risk.
People wanting to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases will need to first register as a patient. Qualifying patients receive reduced fees for most Azalea Health services, including medical, dental, and mental health, as well as prescriptions. Please note this facility accepts insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and offers a sliding fee scale.
The St. Augustine clinic provides a well-rounded selection of services focused on medical services, mental health, a full-service pharmacy, and marketplace insurance assistance. Besides STD testing and treatment, this facility offers chronic disease management, women’s health services, childhood immunizations, and much more. This clinic is a small one-story building that has its own parking lot. It’s located near the First Coast Cardiovascular Institute of St. Augustine.
105 Whitehall Dr STE 109, St. Augustine, FL 32086, USA
This healthcare clinic doesn’t have any qualifications such as age or income for its sexually transmitted disease testing services. This clinic does accept insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.
St. Vincent’s Primary Care is a place where patients will be listened too and care for in a prompt professional manner. This facility is a two-story building that offers public parking in front and to the side of the building. This facility is spacious, clean, and modern. This primary care facility is located not too far from optimal imaging and St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.
2001 County Rd 210 #200, St Johns, FL 32259, USA
At the Palm Coast Center, people must register as a patient before they can be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. This health facility does accept insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and does offer a discounted fee scale for patients who qualify. Please call to see if you qualify.
At the Palm Coast Center, a part of Azalea Health provides a variety of medical and mental health services. This center has a small waiting area with multiple reception areas for patients to discuss things with an office staff member. The Palm Coast Center is a one-story building that is brown and landscaped nicely surrounded by trees. Parking is available on the side of the building.
460 Palm Coast Pkwy SW #5, Palm Coast, FL 32137, USA
As with all Azalea Health clinic locations, people must first register as a patient. Qualifying patients receive reduced fees for most Azalea Health services, including medical and mental health. This facility accepts most types of insurance including Medicaid, Medicare, HMOs, PPOs, other health insurance plans. Please make an appointment for STD testing services.
The Green Cove Springs clinic location a part of Azalea Health provides medical and mental health services to residents of Florida. This clinic is centrally located in the Magnolia Layne Shopping Center. It has a small waiting area but they do have three reception areas for patients and office staff to discuss important matters. Parking is limited due to the location being in a strip mall area so parking is shared amongst other businesses.
1305 N Orange Ave #120, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, USA
The Hastings Center doesn’t have any eligibility requirements for its sexually transmitted disease testing services. This facility does accept insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and does offer a unique discounted scale for patients who qualify.
Azalea Health and its Hastings Center provide a vast amount of medical services, including STD testing services. Also at this facility, the HPV vaccine, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B vaccine are provided. All patients will be treated in a prompt and professional manner.
201 W Lattin St, Hastings, FL 32145, USA
The STD Clinic and HIV/AIDS services don’t have any age or income requirements for their testing services. This facility offers rapid HIV testing with results available in as little as 20 minutes. Counseling and partner counseling is available. This health department accepts insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and offers a sliding fee scale.
The St. Johns County Health Department is a safe, reliable, and effective facility for residents of Florida to visit for services and programs. This facility offers clinical and nutrition services, wellness programs, community health planning, emergency preparedness and response, infectious disease services, and much more. This health department is a two-story building that is white and red on the outside. There is plenty of parking available in front and to the side of the facility.
200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
Private testing for herpes and HIV is often done in this city. Results are given on the same day and support and education is provided to anyone who receives a positive diagnosis. At sexual health centers throughout the city, children and teens can learn about STDs in an environment where everything is kept confidential and everyone’s privacy and dignity is respected.
Children 12 and older can participate in either group or individual sessions in which they learn about sexual health. With written consent from the parents, children can obtain lessons on STDs in general and HIV and AIDS specifically.
The general consensus is that more education on STDS needs to be given of younger residents of the city. One of the reasons for this is due to the fact that over half the STD cases in the area were reported in people younger than 25 years of age.
When it comes to chlamydia, 64% of the people affected with it are anywhere from 15 to 24 years old. This shows that the city needs to step up its efforts to educate young people on the dangers of STDs and how to avoid contracting them. STD education is not emphasized as much in St. Augustine as it is in other cities, possibly because it is smaller than many cities. Specifically, HIV and herpes are two STDs that more residents of the city need to get tested for in the future.
STDs are mainly found in the population of younger people who have not been properly educated. This is a problem throughout the city and one that is not addressed as much as it could or should be.
At nearby Florida State University the cases of STDs are high. In 2013 alone, 228 students were diagnosed with chlamydia. Gonorrhea outbreaks are also a huge problem at the University. The majority of STD cases are diagnosed in college students, either on or off campus.
While the Florida Department of Health offers educational opportunities concerning the prevention and treatment of STDs not enough young people in the city are committed to seeking out the education that could help save their lives.
STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are seen much more in St. Johns County than HIV and AIDS are. In 2005, the average number of reported cases of HIV was 17, while the average number of reported cases of full-blown AIDS was the same.
As one of the counties in Florida with a lower percentage of those suffering from STDs than others St. Johns still reported a growing number of HIV diagnoses from 1998 to 2004. Between 1998 and 2000 there were 92 cases reported and this number went up to 114 from 2000 to 2002. From 2002 to 2004 the number of HIV diagnoses rose to 130. Since then the numbers have continued to rise throughout the county, making STDs an ongoing problem in the city.
It is safe to say that even though residents of the city have access to confidential STD testing it is not being used as much as it should be. Even though STDs are lower there than in other parts of Florida they should still be tested for. College students in the area can always obtain STD tests at their campus health centers. However, since the majority of those residing in the city are older it is important to offer accessible STD testing at clinics in and around the city. Obtaining these tests can often be done on a walk in basis and some clinics even stay open evenings, weekends and holidays, to ensure there is always a place to get tested. This gives locals’ confidence in knowing that their community is there to support them when they need it.
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.
