The Biden administration is bringing back free at-home COVID-19 tests by mail, just in time for the upcoming winter season. At the end of September, each household will be able to order up to four rapid tests through COVIDtests.gov.

The mailed tests are returning after the Food and Drug Administration this week approved two updated COVID-19 vaccines to provide protection against current strains of the virus. Those vaccines, from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, are expected to be rolled out within days for anyone age 6 months and older. The tests, which will detect newer COVID-19 variants, will be good for use until the end of the year.

The free tests are being offered as an unexpected summer wave of COVID-19 hits the U.S., with nearly 170,000 new cases reported last week and more than 1,100 new deaths, the highest since March. The tests are intended to help limit the spread of the virus, especially as more people gather indoors during the colder months.

A Boost to Public Health

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 infection, and testing is key to help limit the spread of the virus, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. When using these rapid antigen tests, a positive test result means you very likely have COVID-19. If you test negative and are experiencing symptoms, the FDA recommends a second test performed 48 hours after the first. It recommends three tests for people who have been exposed but don't have symptoms, also 48 hours apart.

The tests will be especially useful in the coming months as people gather indoors for the holidays, potentially leading to increased transmission of the virus. The federal government’s program has distributed more than 900 million tests directly to American households since it first opened. Those who placed orders during previous seasons will again be eligible for a new set of tests.

Getting Your Free Tests

A notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said new orders from the public will be accepted from the end of September. No specific date was given but every household in the U.S. will be eligible to receive 4 free COVID tests. “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year,” the department said on COVIDtests.gov, where orders can be placed as soon as the program reopens.

A Summer Surge

The U.S. is currently in the midst of a summer wave of COVID-19, during which no free tests were made available through the federal government’s website. The free tests are intended to help people stay informed about their health and take steps to prevent further spread of the virus.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and granted emergency use authorization for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for the winter season. The updated vaccine targets currently circulating variants and provides better protection against serious illness and death, according to the FDA.

“Given waning immunity of the population from previous exposure to the virus and from prior vaccination, we strongly encourage those who are eligible to consider receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants,” said Peter Marks, the director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get an updated Covid and flu vaccine this fall.

The Importance of Testing

“COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others,” HHS said on its website. At-home COVID tests can be taken at home or at other locations and provide results within 30 minutes.

Moving Forward

The U.S. government’s renewed emphasis on free testing and updated vaccines highlights the continued importance of public health measures in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. As the nation navigates the ongoing challenges of the virus, access to these tools will be crucial in mitigating its impact and protecting communities.