Free At-Home COVID Tests Will Be Available Again, Say HHS Officials

The federal government is preparing to relaunch its no-cost at-home COVID test program this September in anticipation of the upcoming respiratory virus season. This initiative marks the seventh time under the Biden administration that U.S. residents can request free over-the-counter tests.

Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services, announced this decision, emphasizing the importance of these tests as families gather indoors for the fall and winter months. “As families start to move indoors this fall and begin spending time with their loved ones, both very old and very young, they will once again have the opportunity to order up to four new COVID-19 tests free of charge and have them sent directly to their homes,” O’Connell stated during a press briefing.

The specific date for when the website, COVID.gov/tests, will accept new orders remains uncertain, as it halted orders in early March. O’Connell reassured that these tests are designed to detect infections from currently circulating variants, helping to keep families safe this season.

During the briefing, federal officials noted that the recent rise in COVID-19 cases has not triggered a corresponding increase in hospitalizations and deaths when compared to previous years. Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), attributed this trend to the immunity conferred by vaccinations and prior infections, which have eased the burden on the healthcare system.

“I do want to acknowledge that we continue to see a lot of COVID-19 activity across the country right now in tests coming back from labs,” Cohen remarked. She highlighted that while COVID remains active, it has not led to significant increases in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or fatalities.

Dr. Cohen further compared the current state of COVID to that of the flu but cautioned that COVID remains more dangerous. A federal forecast for the forthcoming respiratory virus season suggests that the U.S. should expect hospitalizations from COVID, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to remain stable or slightly improve.

Recognizing that protection against COVID decreases over time, Cohen urged continued vigilance, especially for vulnerable populations at higher risk from COVID and other viruses. Federal officials reiterated the importance of vaccinations ahead of the respiratory season.

For both COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC recommends vaccinations for everyone aged six months and older, including pregnant individuals. Cohen added that it’s safe to receive both vaccines simultaneously.

On a related note, the FDA has approved updated versions of the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna for the upcoming fall and winter. Manufacturers have stated that these vaccines should become available within the next week.

Additionally, vaccination for RSV is advised for all infants under eight months old, as well as those between eight and 18 months who are at high risk. Pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation, as well as adults aged 75 and older or those aged 60 to 74 at high risk, are also recommended to get the RSV vaccine.

In response to the ongoing needs of those affected by COVID-19, O’Connell mentioned that Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment, will be available at no cost for individuals enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, as well as for the uninsured. Starting in 2025 and extending through 2028, Pfizer will manage the patient assistance program for uninsured and underinsured individuals accessing Paxlovid.

Moreover, Merck’s patient assistance program will continue to provide Lagevrio, another antiviral treatment for COVID-19 patients at risk of hospitalization, to those without insurance.

O’Connell stressed the significance of distributing at-home tests and ensuring access to treatments as part of the Biden administration’s strategy to prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season effectively. She underscored the commitment of the federal government to support public health during this critical period.