Free COVID-19 Tests Return for Fall 2024: Here’s How to Get Yours.

As cases of a new COVID-19 variant rise in the United States, the federal government is once again making free at-home COVID-19 test kits available to Americans. Individuals and households will be able to start ordering these test kits later this month, following a summer surge in COVID-19 infections.

The Biden administration had previously restarted the same initiative last fall after briefly pausing it to manage supply levels. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which manages this program, has yet to announce the specific timeline for when the COVIDTests.gov website will reopen to take orders.

When the website becomes active again, households across the U.S. will be able to request up to four test kits per order. The over-the-counter kits are designed to detect current COVID-19 variants and can be utilized until the end of this year, according to HHS. It is anticipated that these tests will arrive at homes just in time for the holiday season, when families will travel to gather for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other festivities.

HHS promotes regular testing for COVID-19, encouraging those who may contract the virus to seek medical treatment. In addition, self-isolation or preventive measures, such as wearing masks, can help prevent the spread of the virus to others. So far, the federal program has successfully distributed over 900 million tests to American households since its inception.

Buying these tests at drugstores can be quite expensive, making them a burden for many families. For instance, a pack of two BinaxNow COVID-19 antigen self-tests from Abbott is currently priced at $18.99 on CVS.com, which may not be affordable for everyone.

The government is complementing this testing initiative with a renewed focus on vaccinations. There is a strong push for residents to receive updated COVID-19 booster shots to prepare for the fall and winter months, which are typically prime times for respiratory infections.

In recent developments, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new formulations of the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna last month. These updated vaccines are now being administered at pharmacies across the country. Additionally, the FDA has also authorized Novavax’s new protein-based COVID-19 vaccine, providing another option for individuals seeking protection against the virus.

As the situation evolves with the new variant, health officials continue to monitor its spread and risk levels. The push for increased testing and vaccination is part of a broader strategy aimed at managing COVID-19’s impacts and protecting public health.

In conclusion, the availability of free at-home COVID-19 tests and updated vaccine options represents a coordinated effort to mitigate the impact of the virus as the winter months approach. Health authorities emphasize the importance of staying informed and taking appropriate precautions to safeguard both individual and community health.