Free COVID-19 home tests are once again available to households around the country, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Each household can order four tests by submitting a request form at COVIDTests.gov. The tests are authorized to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants, and come with clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates, according to the HHS.
“Before you visit with your family and friends this holiday season, take a quick test and help keep them safe from COVID-19,” said HHS's assistant secretary for preparedness and response, Dawn O’Connell, in a statement.
Why Do Health Experts Still Recommend COVID-19 Testing?
When used correctly, at-home COVID tests can be impactful, according to the American Medical Association.
Situations in which it may be helpful to take a COVID-19 test include:
Five days after a known exposure to COVID-19 (even if you don’t have symptoms)
Before large gatherings, especially large indoor gatherings
Read This Before You Throw Out Expired COVID-19 Tests
If ordering new tests inspires you to do a little housekeeping (out with the old!), don’t throw away any COVID-19 test you may already possess just because the expiration date has passed.
Most COVID-19 home test kits have received expiration extensions from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they are fine to use even after the expiration date on the box. To see if your COVID-19 test kit has an expiration extension, check out the FDA’s list of authorized at-home, over-the-counter tests.
Tests Will Be Delivered via U.S. Postal Service
This free round of COVID-19 tests will be delivered in the mail through the U.S. Postal Service, per COVIDTests.gov. All orders within the continental United States will be sent by first-class package service. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, and overseas military and diplomatic addresses (APO, FPO, or DPO) will be shipped via Priority Mail.
What if I Need a COVID-19 Test Immediately?
If you need a COVID-19 test right away and can’t wait for a delivery of free kits, HHS suggests using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention search tool to find one of the thousands of free community-based testing sites, including pharmacies, across the country.
Tests are also widely available at pharmacies and retailers throughout the United States.
Becky Upham has worked throughout the health and wellness world for over 25 years. She's been a race director, a team recruiter for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a salesperson for a major pharmaceutical company, a blogger for Moogfest, a communications manager for Mission Health, a fitness instructor, and a health coach.
Upham majored in English at the University of North Carolina and has a master's in English writing from Hollins University.
Upham enjoys teaching cycling classes, running, reading fiction, and making playlists.
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