Residents of the United States can now request additional free Covid-19 test kits from the federal government as the respiratory virus season approaches with elevated levels of the virus already present in the community.
Each household can obtain four at-home test kits, which can be ordered through COVIDTests.gov starting today. Shipments will be made for free via the US Postal Service, beginning next week.
This marks the seventh round of the program, which has provided over 900 million free tests to US residents since its launch in winter 2021, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
These rapid antigen tests yield results in about 30 minutes and are designed to detect currently circulating variants. They can be used for individuals showing symptoms of Covid-19 as well as those who do not, regardless of their vaccination status.
“Reopening this popular program is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are accessible to everyone this fall and winter,” stated HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Dawn O’Connell. “Before spending time with family and friends this holiday season, taking a test can help keep them safe from COVID-19.”
The available tests include options tailored for individuals with disabilities affecting dexterity or vision. Additional details regarding the ordering process can be found at ACL.gov/AccessibleTests.
The HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response highlighted the importance of testing, stating, “COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can determine your next steps, such as receiving treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and minimizing the likelihood of spreading the virus to others.”
To mitigate the spread of Covid-19, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises individuals who test positive to stay home and isolate until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends taking multiple rapid tests to confirm the absence of Covid-19: two negative tests for symptomatic individuals and three for asymptomatic individuals, taken 48 hours apart.
Additionally, the CDC urges everyone aged 6 months and older to receive an updated Covid-19 vaccine this season to remain current on their vaccinations.
This year, various vaccination options are available; mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer have been updated to target KP.2, a dominant variant since May. These vaccines are suitable for individuals aged 6 months and older. A traditional protein vaccine from Novavax is available, targeting JN.1, although it is only approved for individuals aged 12 and up.
Updated Covid-19 vaccines are now available at pharmacies nationwide and can be administered simultaneously with the annual flu vaccine.
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen emphasized the importance of vigilance this winter, stating, “The best plan going into this winter is for everyone to remain vigilant and utilize the tools we have: vaccines, testing, and treatment for illnesses that cause the majority of fall and winter deaths and hospitalizations.”