Самотестирование дома или в любом месте

Бесплатные тесты на COVID-19 доступны для заказа

С 20 ноября все домохозяйства в США могут снова разместить заказ на получение еще четырех бесплатных быстрых тестов на COVID-19, доставленных прямо к ним домой. Если вы не заказывали тесты с момента возобновления программы в сентябре, вы сможете разместить два заказа на общее количество восемь тестов. Заказывайте наборы тестов через COVID.gov. Заказы будут отправлены бесплатно начиная с 27 ноября 2023 года.

Важная информация

• Комплекты будут снабжены инструкциями о том, как проверить даты продления срока годности. Многие комплекты имеют продленные сроки годности за пределами того, что может быть напечатано на упаковке.
• Никто из федерального правительства вас не позвонит, не напишет вам СМС или не отправит электронное письмо с запросом вашей информации для помощи вам при заказе бесплатных наборов. Не сообщайте свои данные кредитных карт, банковских счетов или номера социального страхования. Не отвечайте на такие запросы. Лучше сообщите об этом Федеральной торговой комиссии.

Изменения в рекомендациях Центров по контролю и профилактике заболеваний США

В прошлой неделе стали появляться сообщения о том, что Центры по контролю и профилактике заболеваний США планируют отойти от своих текущих рекомендаций по изоляции при COVID. Вместо текущей рекомендации на пять дней Центры планируют требовать от тех, кто получил положительный тест, изолироваться до тех пор, пока у них нет лихорадки хотя бы 24 часа и их симптомы не подходят к легко и устойчивому улучшению. Ничего до сих пор не подтверждено Центрами, и хотя эти изменения не являются определенными (мы обновим эту историю, если агентство изменит свои рекомендации), это все равно может вызвать беспокойство у некоторых. Если вы хотите использовать эту новость как толчок и убедиться, что у вас есть тесты на COVID-19, доступные для вас и вашей семьи, вам повезло. Если вы знаете, где искать, все еще достаточно просто получить бесплатные тесты, вакцины и лечения.

Бесплатные тесты от Почтовой службы США

С января 2022 года Служба почтовой связи США принимает заказы на бесплатные тесты на COVID-19. И прямо сейчас вы все еще можете оформить заказ на еще четыре бесплатных теста на COVID.

Правительство США первоначально приостановило программу в сентябре 2022 года, когда закончились тесты и финансирование, затем возобновило ее в декабре того же года, а затем снова остановило в мае 2023 года после завершения общественной чрезвычайной ситуации, связанной с COVID-19. Программа возобновилась в сентябре с предложением четырех бесплатных тестов на дом; затем продолжилась в ноябре с возможностью заказать еще четыре бесплатных теста.

Если вы заказали бесплатные тесты в сентябре, но с тех пор не делали заказов, вы можете заказать еще четыре. Если вы также не заказывали ни одного теста на COVID от Почтовой службы в сентябре, вы теперь можете разместить два заказа на общее количество восемь тестов.

Как получить бесплатные тесты

Не упустите возможность получить бесплатные тесты и ознакомиться с другими способами получения бесплатных тестов на COVID, лечения и вакцин.

Для немедленного распространения:

9 ноября 2023

Начиная с 20 ноября, каждое американское домохозяйство может снова заказать четыре дополнительных бесплатных быстрых теста на COVID-19, которые будут доставлены прямо к ним домой.

“Это последний шаг в нашем стремлении помочь разработчикам тестов предоставить американцам новые варианты безопасных и эффективных тестов на COVID, которые можно проводить в домашних условиях”, — сказал Джефф Шурен, директор Центра по медицинским изделиям и радиологии FDA. “FDA продолжает активно сотрудничать с разработчиками тестов, которые желают предлагать свою продукцию вне рамок аварийного использования. Это часть более широких усилий FDA по продвижению разработки и доступности домашних тестов для различных заболеваний для расширения доступа пациентов к тестированию.

The Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test is a visually-read test cleared for OTC home use by symptomatic individuals within six days of symptom onset. It is cleared for individuals aged 14 years or older testing themselves, or adults testing individuals aged two years or older. In a study reviewed by the FDA, this test correctly identified 89.8% of positive and 99.3% of negative samples in individuals with signs and symptoms of upper respiratory infection.

The FDA reviewed the ACON Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test through the 510(k) premarket review pathway. A 510(k) is a premarket submission made to the FDA to demonstrate that a new device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

Запросы

Тесты Ellume доступны для слепых и слабовидящих

Второй раунд заказов сейчас открыт!

20 ноября был открыт второй раунд заказов. Теперь каждая семья может разместить второй заказ, чтобы получить еще четыре бесплатных теста. (Семьи, которые еще не разместили заказ, могут сделать два заказа сейчас, чтобы получить восемь тестов.)

Эти тесты обнаружат в настоящее время циркулирующие варианты COVID-19, предназначены для использования до конца 2023 года и будут содержать четкие инструкции по проверке продленных сроков годности.

Люди, которые слепы или плохо видят, могут заказать домашние тесты Ellume COVID, которые более доступны, чем другие варианты. Поставки более доступных тестов ограничены, поэтому просят заказывать их только тем, у кого нет способности использовать другие типы тестов, такие как технология помощи или доверенный родственник или друг, который может помочь (лично или через видеозвонок).

Как заказать:

• Заказать обычные тесты или более доступные тесты по телефону: Позвоните по телефону 1-800-232-0233, чтобы связаться с информационной линией CDC, а затем:

  • Выберите язык: Нажмите 1 для английского, 2 для испанского, 3 для других языков

Закажите домашние тесты COVID-19, набрав 1

• Наберите 8, чтобы заказать более доступные тесты, или оставайтесь на линии, чтобы заказать обычные тесты

Дополнительные варианты заказа более доступных тестов:

• Служба информации и доступа для инвалидов может помочь. Позвоните по телефону 888-677-1199, посетите веб-сайт DIAL для чата и услуг на языке жестов ASL или напишите на почту DIAL@usaginganddisability.org. Операторы DIAL доступны с понедельника по пятницу с 8 утра до 9 вечера (по восточному времени)

Закажите обычные тесты онлайн:

Каждая домашняя хозяйственная единица может разместить один заказ на более доступные тесты и один заказ на обычные тесты.

Что делает тесты Ellume более доступными

Тест работает с приложением для смартфона и предоставляет:

• Аудио-инструкции пошагового проведения теста.

• Аудио-результаты теста.

Дополнительные инструкции для слепых и слабовидящих пользователей

Чтобы использовать тесты, вам необходимо

• Иметь совместимый с Bluetooth смартфон.

• Скачать и установить бесплатное приложение из Apple App Store (для iOS) или Google Play Store (для Android).

Нужна дополнительная помощь?

Обученный персонал службы информации и доступа для инвалидов (DIAL) может предоставить дополнительную помощь по следующим вопросам:

• Заказ тестов Ellume через эту программу.

• Предоставление альтернативных инструкций для традиционных домашних тестов, которые могут сделать возможным использование этих тестов слепыми и слабовидящими пользователями.

• Для тех, кто не может использовать домашний тест, операторы DIAL могут:

  • Помочь с заказом наборов взять и отправить для сбора образца и отправки обратно для получения результатов.

  • Связать звонящих с местными организациями, чтобы помочь найти другие варианты тестирования в их сообществе, включая программы тестирования на дому или поддержку транспортировки или спутников для посещения тестовых пунктов в их сообществе.

• Позвоните по телефону 888-677-1199, посетите веб-сайт DIAL для чата и услуг на языке жестов ASL или напишите на почту DIAL@usaginganddisability.org. Операторы DIAL доступны с понедельника по пятницу с 8 утра до 9 вечера (по восточному времени)

Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc.:

Домашний тест BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card


• Люди со симптомами, которые начались в последние 7 дней. Тест следует проводить дважды за три дня (последовательное тестирование).

• Люди без симптомов. Тест следует проводить три раза за пять дней (последовательное тестирование).

• Возраст от 15 лет и старше

• Возраст от 2 лет и старше при сборе образца взрослым

• Тест на антигены

• Носовая палочка

• Требуется наблюдение за процессом у переносного теледоктора и наличие смартфона или компьютера

• Результат через 15 минут

• Срок годности: 22 месяца

Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc.:

BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test

Самостоятельный антигенный тест COVID-19 в домашних условиях: Veritor


• Люди с симптомами, появившимися в последние 7 дней. Тест должен быть проведен дважды за три дня (последовательное тестирование).
• Люди без симптомов. Тест должен быть проведен три раза в течение пяти дней (последовательное тестирование).
• 15 лет и старше
• 2 года и старше при сборе образца взрослым
• Антигенный тест
• Носовая мазь
• Результаты через 15 минут
• Срок годности: 22 месяца

Домашний тест на антитела COVID-19: CareStart


• Люди с симптомами, появившимися в последние 7 дней
• Люди без симптомов. Тест должен быть проведен дважды за три дня (последовательное тестирование)
• 14 лет и старше
• 2 года и старше при сборе образца взрослым
• Антигенный тест
• Носовая мазь
• Смартфон по желанию
• Альтернативное название: On/go COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test
• Результаты через 10 минут
• Срок годности: 21 месяц

COVID-19 антигенный домашний тест: Flowflex


Альтернативное название:


• Люди с симптомами, появившимися в последние 7 дней
• Люди без симптомов. Тест должен быть проведен дважды за три дня (последовательное тестирование)
• 14 лет и старше
• 2 года и старше при сборе образца взрослым
• Антигенный тест
• Носовая мазь
• Смартфон по желанию
• Альтернативное название: On/Go One COVID-19 Antigen Home Test
• Результаты через 15 минут
• Срок годности: 24 месяца

Тест COVID-19 Metrix


• Срок действия: См. надпись на упаковке

• Люди с или без симптомов

• 14 лет и старше

• 2 года и старше при сборе образца взрослым

• Молекулярный тест

• Носовая мазь

• Слюна

• Требуется считыватель Metrix (продается отдельно)

• Smartphone optional

• Results in 30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 12 Months

Celltrion USA, Inc.:

Celltrion DiaTrust COVID-19 Ag Home Test

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Antigen test

• Mid-turbinate nasal swab

• Smartphone optional

• Results in 15 minutes

• Shelf Life: 24 months

CTK Biotech, Inc.:

ImmuView COVID-19 Antigen Home Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 12 months

Cue Health Inc.:

Cue COVID-19 Test for Home and Over The Counter (OTC) Use

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with or without symptoms

• Age 18 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Molecular test

• Nasal swab

• Requires a Cue Cartridge Reader (sold separately)

• Requires a smartphone

• Results in 20 minutes

• Shelf Life: 4 months

Ellume Limited:

Ellume COVID-19 Home Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 4 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 16 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Mid-turbinate nasal swab

• Requires a Smartphone

• Results in 15 minutes

• Shelf Life: 12 months

Genabio Diagnostics Inc.:

Genabio COVID-19 Rapid Self-Test Kit

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days.

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing)

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 18 months

iHealth Labs, Inc.:

iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test

Alternate brand name:

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 15 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Smartphone optional

• Results in 15 minutes

• Alternate brand name: GoodToKnow COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test

• Alternate brand name: GoToKnow COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test

• Shelf Life: 15 months

InBios International Inc:

SCoV-2 Ag Detect Rapid Self-Test

• People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 20 minutes

• Shelf Life: 13 months

Immunostics Inc.: Swab-N-Go Home Test COVID-19 Ag

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 20 months

Pfizer Inc:

Lucira CHECK-IT COVID-19 Test Kit

• People with or without symptoms

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Molecular test

• Nasal swab

• Smartphone optional

• Results in 30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 18 months

Maxim Biomedical, Inc.:

MaximBio ClearDetect COVID-19 Antigen Home Test

• People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15 minutes

• Shelf Life: 24 months

Mologic, Inc.:

COVI-Go SARS-CoV-2 Ag Self-Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 20 minutes

• Shelf Life: 6 months

OraSure Technologies, Inc.:

InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 18 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Smartphone optional

• Results in 30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 24 months

OSANG LLC:

OHC COVID-19 Antigen Self Test

Alternate brand name:

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing)

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Alternate brand name: QuickFinder COVID-19 Antigen Self Test

• Results in 15 minutes

• Shelf Life: 24 months

PHASE Scientific International, Ltd.:

INDICAID COVID-19 Rapid Antigen At-Home Test

• People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 20 minutes

• Shelf Life: 15 months

Quidel Corporation:

QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test

Alternative Brand Names:

• People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Alternative Brand Names: CVS Health At Home COVID-19 Test Kit and Walgreens At-Home COVID-19 Test Ket

• Results in 10 minutes

• Shelf Life: 16 months

SD Biosensor, Inc.:

Pilot COVID-19 At-Home Test 1

FDA Safety Communication — Recall of Certain Lots

• People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 20 minutes

• Telehealth Proctor Supervised (optional)

• Shelf Life: 16 months

Siemens Healthineers:

CLINITEST Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15 minutes

• Smartphone/Web access (optional)

• Shelf Life: 24 months

Watmind USA:

Speedy Swab Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test

• People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing)

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15 minutes

• Shelf Life: 21 months

Xiamen Boson Biotech Co., Ltd.:

Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Card

• People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15 minutes

• Shelf Life: 18 months

SEKISUI Diagnostics, LLC.:

OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Home Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 11 months

Beijing Hotgen Biotech Co., Ltd.:

Hotgen COVID-19 Antigen Home Test

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 10 months

CorDX, Inc.:

CorDx COVID-19 Ag Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 10-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 15 months

Azure Biotech Inc.:

Fastep COVID-19 Antigen Home Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 24 months

Oceanit Foundry LLC:

ASSURE-100 Rapid COVID-19

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 20-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 12 months

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 18 months

GenBody Inc.:

GenBody COVID-19 Ag Home Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15-20 minutes

• Shelf Life: 24 months

Azure Biotech, Inc.:

Azure FaStep® COVID-19 Antigen Pen Home Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 21 months

Pfizer Inc.:

Lucira by Pfizer COVID-19 & Flu Home Test

• People with symptoms

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Molecular test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 18 months

Princeton BioMeditech Corp:

Status COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test for Home Use

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 5 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15 minutes

• Shelf Life: 24 months

Nano-Ditech Corporation:

Nano-Check COVID-19 Antigen At-Home Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 6 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing).

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15 minutes

• Shelf Life: 6 months

BioTeke USA, LLC:

Bio-Self COVID-19 Antigen Home Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms that began within the last 7 days. The test is to be performed two times over three days (serial testing).

• People without symptoms. The test is to be performed three times over five days (serial testing)

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Antigen test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 15-30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 12 months

3EO Health, Inc.:

3EO Health COVID-19 Test

• Expiration Date: See box label

• People with symptoms.

• Age 14 years and older

• Age 2 years and older when collected by an adult

• Molecular test

• Nasal swab

• Results in 30 minutes

• Shelf Life: 4 months

How can I get free COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots?

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are an important protection against contracting or getting seriously ill from the virus. Since the CDC has recommended updated COVID-19 booster shots for everyone 6 months or older, you might be wondering how to find free COVID-19 vaccines.

If you don’t have insurance or a health provider, don’t worry. The Department of Health and Human Services website says, "COVID-19 vaccines are 100% free for every individual living in the United States."

On Sept. 14, the Department of Health and Human Services launched the Bridge Access Program, which will continue to provide free vaccines to those who are uninsured through local health departments and HRSA centers. CDC has also partnered with "more than 20,000 retail pharmacy locations nationwide" to provide free vaccines by modifying the existing ICATT program mentioned above.

The Bridge Access Program will end in December 2024, but until then, you’ll be able to access free COVID-19 vaccines. To use it, go to vaccines.gov, choose which shot you want, and then click the "search" button. On the next page, select the option that says "Bridge Access Program Participant" to show which locations offer no-cost vaccines.

Correction, Sept. 21, 2023: An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information about the cost of vaccines for people without insurance. It has been updated with information about how people can get free vaccines.

How do I order free tests?

You only need to provide a few bits of information to get your kits. You won’t be asked to provide any credit or debit card details, as both the tests and the shipping are free. Here’s how to get your free at-home test kits.

1. Visit special.USPS.com/testkits. You can also get there via covidtests.gov.

2. Enter your contact details and shipping information.

3. Click Check Out Now.

4. Verify that your information is correct and select Place My Order.

All orders will be shipped via First Class Package Service.

People who can’t access the website or who have trouble ordering online can call 800-232-0233 to order their free tests.

Related Questions

Positive results from self-tests are highly reliable.

Negative results from self-tests don’t rule out that you could have an infection. See FDA instructions on repeat testing.

Invalid results from self-tests mean the test did not work properly, and you need to take a new test to get an accurate result.

CDC strongly encourages everyone who uses a self-test to report any positive results to their healthcare provider. COVID-19 home tests can be safely and privately reported at MakeMyTestCount.org. Healthcare providers can ensure that those who have tested positive for COVID-19 receive the most appropriate medical care, including specific treatments if necessary.

In certain jurisdictions, healthcare providers who diagnose COVID-19 are required to report those cases to public health.

Resources

How does the USPS free COVID-19 test program work?

In January 2022, President Joe Biden announced the launch of CovidTests.gov, a website where households could order four free rapid antigen COVID-19 tests shipped by the Postal Service. The site added more free tests in March 2022, May 2022 and again last winter. The newest rounds of shipments also include four COVID tests.

Unlike some complicated government applications, ordering free tests from the Postal Service is simple. It takes less than two minutes to complete a short form that asks for your name and mailing address, and the tests ship in a week or two. People without internet access or folks who have trouble ordering online can request tests using a toll-free phone number: 800-232-0233**.**

It isn’t clear exactly how long the free COVID-19 tests will last, so it’s best to get your order in soon.

HRSA health centers offer free COVID-19 testing

HRSA health centers offer free COVID-19 testing.

HRSA/Screenshot by CNET

First, select the language you would like to receive your results in. Then simply enter the location you wish to search into the box labeled Location. The locator also allows you to widen your search radius, so you can see all the options your area has to offer.

How to Use an At-Home COVID-19 Test

Read the complete manufacturer’s instructions for use before using the test.

• Wash your hands before and after you collect a nasal specimen for your test.

• To use an at-home test, you will collect a nasal specimen and then test that specimen.

• If you do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions, your test result may be incorrect.

• The manufacturer may have extended the expiration date for your self-test. Please check the manufacturer’s website to confirm the expiration date, if needed.

What are my other free testing options?

Aside from the tests from the Postal Service, you have three main avenues to find free COVID-19 testing locations across the US: HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations and ICATT testing sites. These options function similarly, but we’ll break down the specific steps to find your nearest free testing location.

How to Get an At-Home COVID-19 Test

• Order Four (4) free at-home COVID-19 tests available for U.S. households through the federal government at COVID.gov/tests.

• Buy tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit FDA’s website for a list of authorized tests.

• Contact your local health department to find out about the availability of free tests.

• If you’re not able to obtain a self-test when you need it, you might also visit a community testing site, or contact a healthcare provider for more options.

What is a Self-Test or At-Home Test?

Self-tests for COVID-19 give rapid results and can be taken anywhere.

• Self-tests detect current infection and are sometimes also called “home tests,” “at-home tests,” or “over-the-counter (OTC) tests.”

• They give you results in 10-15 minutes and are usually antigen tests. These are different from laboratory-based PCR tests or self-collected samples that are sent to a laboratory; these may take days to return your result.

• Although self-tests are usually faster, they are not as good at detecting the virus as PCR tests, meaning you might get a false negative result.

  • FDA recommends people who get an initial negative result on an antigen test, take at least one more test 48 hours later. Take a third test, 48 hours after the second, if the second test was negative and you don’t have symptoms. Self-tests are more likely to detect the virus if you have symptoms.

  • You may get a PCR test as an alternative to repeat testing.

• Self-tests, along with vaccination and prevention actions, can help you protect yourself and others.

Self-Testing At Home or Anywhere

Self-Testing At Home or Anywhere

For doing rapid COVID-19 tests anywhere

Free COVID-19 Tests

Visit COVIDTests.gov to order 4 additional free FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home tests beginning November 20, 2023. If you did not order 4 tests earlier in the fall, you can place two orders for a total of 8 tests.

Increasing Community Access to Testing provides COVID testing for the uninsured

ICATT offers free testing to uninsured patients who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have recently been exposed.

CDC/Screenshot by CNET

Increasing Community Access to Testing, or ICATT, is another free testing program that you can use if you need access to free COVID-19 testing. ICATT works a bit differently than the other programs on this list.

ICATT is specifically designed for uninsured patients who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone can get an ICATT test at one of the program’s locations, regardless of insurance status. If you are uninsured and you wish to be tested at an ICATT-eligible site, you will not need to pay for your test. If you are insured, you might need to pay a fee.

The ICATT locator tool works just like the other locator tools for free COVID testing — input your address or your ZIP code to find ICATT locations near you. There is a search radius adjuster in this locator to tweak your searches to capture the entire area that you want to search.

When will my test kits arrive?

Tests are typically sent out within seven to 12 days of an order being successfully placed and are delivered by the Postal Service within one to three days of shipping.

When To Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test

You were exposed to someone with COVID-19

You were exposed to someone with COVID-19

Test at least 5 full days after your exposure.

If you test negative for COVID-19 using an at-home antigen test, repeat* the test again 48 hours after your first test. If both tests are negative, then repeat testing after another 48 hours for a total of three tests.

Test at least 5 full days after your exposure.

If you test negative for COVID-19 using an at-home antigen test, repeat* the test again 48 hours after your first test. If both tests are negative, then repeat testing after another 48 hours for a total of three tests.

*You may get a PCR test as an alternative to repeat testing.

Testing can be helpful even when you don’t have symptoms or a recent exposure to COVID-19, such as before an event or visiting someone. Test as close to the time of the event as possible (at least within 1-2 days) to help you make informed decisions about your health and your risk of spreading COVID-19 to others.

» Learn what to do if you test positive or test negative.

Test to Treat locations have COVID testing and medicine

The Test to Treat program makes COVID testing and therapeutics more accessible.

HHS/Screenshot by CNET

Test to Treat is a federally funded health care initiative that provides more accessible COVID-19 care. This option differs from the others in this article as you can use the Test to Treat centers to receive both COVID testing and treatment for infections. Like the other COVID-19 free testing options, Test to Treat has a locator tool that you can use to find an eligible Test to Treat center near you.

The Test to Treat center locator works like the other COVID testing search tools. Enter your location into the search bar and the tool will display Test to Treat locations in your area. A sliding bar lets you resize the search radius to capture all of the Test to Treat centers within your area.

Within the Test to Treat locator results, you’ll be able to see each location’s address, which COVID-19 therapeutics they offer and other special instructions you might need to know to get tested. If there’s not an option to schedule a COVID test online through your chosen site, you may need to call.

What Your Test Results Mean

If Your Test Is

Positive

A positive COVID-19 test means the virus was detected and you have an infection.

• Isolate and take precautions, including wearing a high-quality mask to protect others from getting infected.

• Tell people you had recent contact with that they may have been exposed.

• Monitor your symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately.

• Contact a healthcare provider, community health center, or pharmacy to learn about treatment options that may be available to you. Treatment must be started within several days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.

If Your Test Is

Negative

A negative COVID-19 test means the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn’t rule out that you could have an infection. See FDA instructions on repeat testing.

• If you have symptoms:

  • You may have COVID-19, but tested before the virus was detectable.

  • You may have another viral infection or illness that you need to get tested for. For many diseases, including flu, early diagnosis and prompt treatment is important for preventing severe illness.

  • Take everyday preventive actions to prevent spreading an illness to others.

  • Contact a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your test result or if your symptoms worsen.

• If you do not have symptoms, but were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, you should continue to take recommended steps after exposure.

• If you do not have symptoms and have not been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others, including monitoring for symptoms. Get tested again if symptoms appear.

• Incorrect result? If you think your test result may be incorrect, contact the test manufacturer for assistance, consider taking another at-home test, or contact a healthcare provider for help.

• Safely report results: COVID-19 home tests can be safely and privately reported at MakeMyTestCount.org.

• Need additional help with COVID-19 testing? WhenToTest.org is an online, mobile-friendly tool that helps you make decisions about COVID-19 testing.