COVID-19 tests can be obtained from various locations including pharmacies, community health centers, and some retail stores. Here are some common options:
- Pharmacies: Many pharmacies offer both in-store rapid antigen testing and take-home self-collection kits. Some examples include CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, and local pharmacy chains. Testing may require an appointment or be available for walk-ins, depending on the location. Some pharmacies also offer rapid flu and COVID-19 combination tests.
- Public Health Centers: Some public health units provide COVID-19 testing for certain eligible groups. Testing methods can include PCR tests and rapid antigen tests.
- Retail Stores: Stores like Walmart sell COVID-19 test kits for home use.
- Online: You can also purchase FDA-approved COVID-19 home test kits online and have them shipped to your address.
Eligibility for free testing may vary by location and patient risk factors. For example, some pharmacies offer free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests to individuals 12 years and older who are at higher risk of serious illness. For more precise locations and test availability near a specific area, contacting local pharmacies or health departments directly is recommended since hours, test types, and appointment policies differ. If interested in specific providers, for example, CVS Pharmacy charges $29.99 for rapid antigen testing at drive-thru locations and offers assessments for treatment if positive. Walgreens offers rapid COVID-19 and flu combination tests with results in 30 minutes or less.
