Residents in the United States can now request additional free Covid-19 tests from the federal government as the country approaches the respiratory virus season amidst high coronavirus transmission rates. Starting today, each household is eligible to order four at-home test kits through COVIDTests.gov, with shipments commencing next week via the US Postal Service.
This marks the seventh phase of the distribution program, which has provided over 900 million free tests to US residents since its inception in winter 2021, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The rapid antigen tests deliver results in approximately 30 minutes and are designed to identify currently circulating variants. They can be used for individuals exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms, those who do not show symptoms, and can be taken by people regardless of their vaccination status.
Dawn O’Connell, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at HHS, stated, “Reopening this popular program is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are available to all who want them this fall and winter. Before you visit with your family and friends this holiday season, take a quick test and help keep them safe from COVID-19.”
The tests also include options that enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities affecting dexterity or vision. Additional information on ordering these accessible tests can be found at ACL.gov/AccessibleTests.
The HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response emphasizes that Covid-19 testing can help individuals determine if they are infected, enabling them to seek treatment to lower their risk of severe illness and reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that those who test positive for Covid-19 should isolate from others until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours. The FDA recommends conducting multiple rapid tests to confirm the absence of Covid-19: two negative tests for symptomatic individuals and three for those without symptoms, spaced 48 hours apart.
Additionally, the CDC advises everyone aged 6 months and older to receive an updated Covid-19 vaccine this season. Updated mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer target the KP.2 variant, which has been prevalent in the US. These vaccines are available for people aged 6 months and older, while a traditional protein vaccine from Novavax is approved only for those aged 12 and older, targeting the JN.1 variant.
The updated Covid-19 vaccines are currently available at pharmacies nationwide and can be administered alongside the annual flu vaccine. CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen stated last week that remaining vigilant and utilizing available tools—vaccines, testing, and treatment—is crucial in mitigating the impact of illnesses that lead to significant fall and winter deaths and hospitalizations.