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A new round of free COVID tests is coming soon



2024-08-26 08:13:34 US-Special

A new round of free COVID tests is coming soon
A new round of free COVID tests is coming soon

As COVID-19 cases surge once again, the Biden administration is stepping up its efforts to keep the virus in check. In a move that echoes the early days of the pandemic, free at-home COVID-19 tests will soon be available by mail—just in time for the fall and winter seasons.


The Biden administration is reintroducing free at-home COVID-19 tests, a measure aimed at curbing the spread of the virus as the U.S. faces a new wave of infections. Beginning at the end of September, every household in the country will be eligible to order up to four rapid tests through the government website, COVIDtests.gov. These tests are designed to detect the latest COVID-19 variants and will remain effective until the end of the year.

This initiative comes on the heels of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent approval of two updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. These vaccines, tailored to combat current strains of the virus, will be available for anyone aged six months and older within days. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 infection, but testing is also crucial in limiting the virus’s spread.

For those using the rapid antigen tests, a positive result indicates a high likelihood of infection. However, if you test negative but still experience symptoms, the FDA advises taking a second test 48 hours after the first. For individuals who have been exposed to the virus but are asymptomatic, a series of three tests, each 48 hours apart, is recommended.

The return of free tests is part of a broader response to an unexpected summer surge in COVID-19 cases across the United States. Health officials are urging the public to take advantage of both the updated vaccines and the free tests as a means of staying safe during the ongoing pandemic.

If you have any unused COVID-19 tests at home, they may still be viable. The FDA has extended the expiration dates on some tests, and you can verify the current status of your tests by checking the FDA’s official website.


Key Points:

  1. Free COVID Tests: The Biden administration is reintroducing free at-home COVID-19 tests by mail starting at the end of September.

  2. Test Availability: Households can order up to four rapid tests through COVIDtests.gov, effective until the end of the year.

  3. Updated Vaccines: The FDA has approved two new vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, targeting current virus strains.

  4. Testing Guidelines: A positive test likely confirms infection; negative results should be followed by additional tests if symptoms persist.

  5. Expiration Check: Unused COVID-19 tests may still be valid—check the FDA’s website for updated expiration dates.