Current:Home > MyMore free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail-VaTradeCoin
More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail
View Date:2025-01-09 11:16:54
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.
The U.S. government is offering to send another round of four at-home virus tests ahead of the typical surge in cases during the winter holiday season.
Anyone who did not order a batch of four COVID-19 tests in September can secure up to eight of them this time around starting Monday at COVIDtests.gov. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver them for free.
The government is mailing out the coronavirus tests as the the flu season kicks off and a spike in RSV cases has been reported in some spots around the country. Hospitalizations for COVID-19, which has killed more than 1 million people in the United States, were on the rise this fall but have stayed steady in recent weeks. Immunity from previous vaccinations and infections has kept case counts lower compared with other years.
The new release of free COVID-19 nasal swab tests also comes ahead of the first winter since the pandemic started that insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of them. On average, at-home tests now cost $11 out of pocket, according to an analysis by the nonprofit health research firm KFF.
The Food and Drug Administration also approved updated COVID-19 vaccines in September in the hopes of revving up protection for Americans this winter. The shots target an omicron descendant named XBB.1.5, replacing older vaccines that targeted the original coronavirus strain and a much earlier omicron version. Shots are recommended for everyone age 6 months or older, but uptake has been slow.
U.S. taxpayers have spent tens of billions of dollars to develop COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments in the three years since the pandemic started.
veryGood! (12451)
Related
- Agents search home of ex-lieutenant facing scrutiny as police probe leak of school shooting evidence
- Central America scrambles as the international community fails to find solution to record migration
- Venezuelans become largest nationality for illegal border crossings as September numbers surge
- Apple supplier Foxconn subjected to tax inspections by Chinese authorities
- Firefighters make progress, but Southern California wildfire rages on
- 5 dead and 5 injured — names on a scrap of paper show impact of Gaza war on a US family
- Scholastic criticized for optional diverse book section
- Hate takes center stage: 25 years after a brutal murder, the nation rallies behind a play
- Dick Van Dyke says he 'fortunately' won't be around for Trump's second presidency
- Q&A: The Pope’s New Document on Climate Change Is a ‘Throwdown’ Call for Action
Ranking
- Residents urged to shelter in place after apparent explosion at Louisville business
- Jose Altuve’s home run gives Astros wild win as benches clear in ALCS Game 5 vs. Rangers
- 6 dead in Russian rocket strike as Ukraine reports record bomb attack numbers
- Burt Young, best known as Rocky's handler in the Rocky movies, dead at 83
- Karol G addresses backlash to '+57' lyric: 'I still have a lot to learn'
- Cows that survived Connecticut truck crash are doing fine, get vet’s OK to head on to Ohio
- Woman returns from vacation, finds Atlanta home demolished
- Manhunt launched for Nashville police chief’s son suspected in shooting of 2 Tennessee officers
Recommendation
-
New Yorkers vent their feelings over the election and the Knicks via subway tunnel sticky notes
-
George Clooney, other A-listers offer over $150 million in higher union dues to end actors strike
-
Kourtney Kardashian Shares Heartfelt Birthday Tribute to Kim Kardashian After TV Fights
-
Surprised by No. 8 Alabama's latest magic act to rally past Tennessee? Don't be.
-
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? Here's what to know for November 11
-
Coyotes' Travis Dermott defies NHL ban on Pride Tape; league to review 'in due course'
-
Kim Kardashian Showcases Red Hot Style as She Celebrates 43rd Birthday With Family and Friends
-
1 dead, 3 wounded in Arkansas shooting, police say