Free Covid-19 Tests Available for US Households #

Four rapid Covid-19 tests are now available to each household in the United States for free from the federal government. This distribution marks the seventh round of the program, which has delivered over 900 million free tests directly to US residents since its inception.

Households can request the tests through a government website, with shipping set to begin next week via the US Postal Service. The rapid antigen tests provide results in about 30 minutes and can detect currently circulating variants. They are suitable for testing individuals with or without symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.

The program aims to ensure that over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are accessible to all who want them during the fall and winter seasons. Officials encourage people to use these tests before holiday gatherings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

An option for tests with features that make them more accessible for people with disabilities affecting dexterity or vision is also available.

Health authorities recommend that individuals who test positive stay home and away from others until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours. For accurate results, it is advised to take multiple rapid tests: two negative tests for those with symptoms and three for those without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart.

In addition to testing, health officials continue to recommend that everyone aged 6 months or older receive an updated Covid-19 vaccine this season. Multiple vaccine options are available, including mRNA vaccines targeting recent variants and a protein vaccine for those 12 and older.

The updated Covid-19 vaccines are now available at pharmacies across the US and can be administered simultaneously with the annual flu vaccine. Health experts emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant and utilizing available tools such as vaccines, testing, and treatment to combat fall and winter illnesses.