U.S. Government Relaunches Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Program in September
As the United States braces for the upcoming fall and winter respiratory virus season, the Biden administration has announced the relaunch of its free at-home COVID-19 testing program, set to resume in late September. This move comes as the country experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases during the summer months, prompting renewed efforts to safeguard public health.
Starting in late September, U.S. households will once again be able to order up to four free COVID-19 test kits through the Covidtests.gov website.
The tests, which will be mailed directly to homes, are designed to detect current variants of the virus and are expected to remain effective through the end of the year. This marks the seventh time in three years that the administration has made such tests available to the public.
Dawn O’Connell, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), emphasized the importance of these tests in keeping families safe during the colder months.
“These tests will help families and their loved ones stay safe this fall and winter season,” O’Connell stated during a briefing.
The relaunch of the program, which was initially suspended in March, is a response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases and the anticipation of an increase in respiratory illnesses as people spend more time indoors.
The announcement of the testing program coincides with the recent approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These vaccines have been formulated to combat the latest virus strains, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommending that everyone aged six months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the flu vaccine.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, Director of the CDC, highlighted that while COVID-19 remains more dangerous than the flu, the severity of the virus is now comparable to influenza for most people, thanks to widespread immunity from previous vaccinations and infections.
However, she cautioned that protection from these vaccines decreases over time, necessitating annual shots, particularly for vulnerable populations.
In addition to free testing, the Biden administration continues to support access to COVID-19 treatments.
The antiviral drug Paxlovid will remain available at no cost to individuals on Medicare and Medicaid, as well as to those who are uninsured, through the end of 2024.
From 2025 to 2028, Pfizer will maintain a patient assistance program for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Similarly, Merck will continue offering its antiviral drug Lagevrio to uninsured individuals through a patient assistance program.
The decision to relaunch the free testing program reflects the administration’s proactive approach to managing the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
With over 1.8 billion tests already distributed since the pandemic began, this initiative aims to curb the spread of the virus during the colder months, when respiratory infections typically rise.
Dr. Cohen noted that the recent increase in COVID-19 activity has not led to a corresponding spike in hospitalizations or deaths, a testament to the effectiveness of prior immunizations and natural immunity.
As the nation prepares for the fall and winter seasons, the availability of free at-home tests, updated vaccines, and antiviral treatments will be crucial in mitigating the impact of COVID-19. The Biden administration’s efforts underscore the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of an ever-evolving virus.