Even if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19, you could still be infected by the virus and should get tested if you experience any symptoms. The Federal Government recently halted the USPS free COVID program, but there are still ways to access free tests, treatments, and vaccines. The CDC has shifted its guidelines to recommend being fever-free and showing improving symptoms for 24 hours before returning to normal activities.
If you are looking for free COVID-19 testing options, you can turn to HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations, and ICATT testing sites. HRSA health centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration offer free COVID-19 testing. You can use their locator tool to find a center near you and follow their specific instructions for obtaining a free test. Test to Treat locations provide both COVID testing and treatment, and there is a locator tool available to help you find a center near you. ICATT offers free testing for uninsured patients who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus.
In terms of free COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, the CDC recommends updated booster shots for everyone over 6 months old. The Department of Health and Human Services offers free vaccines to uninsured individuals through the Bridge Access Program, which will continue to provide vaccines through local health departments and HRSA centers. The program will end in December 2024, but until then, free vaccines are available. To find a location offering no-cost vaccines, you can use the vaccines.gov website and select the “Bridge Access Program Participant” option.
Overall, despite the halt of the USPS free COVID program, there are still ways to access free testing, treatments, and vaccines. It is important to get tested if you have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus. By utilizing HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations, and ICATT testing sites, you can find locations near you to get tested for free. Additionally, free COVID-19 vaccines are available through the Bridge Access Program for uninsured individuals, ensuring that everyone has access to essential protection against the virus.
