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American households can once again order up to four free COVID-19 rapid tests to be delivered to their doorstep. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services paused the program last May but will resume orders on its website starting Sept. 25.
Expired at-home tests shouldn’t be thrown out just yet, federal officials said. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates of several at-home tests, with many still good anywhere from months to a year longer than they were originally dated.
Increased coronavirus testing availability comes as 35 Texans died of COVID-19 last week. More than 1,500 Texans were hospitalized with COVID-19 last week, according to state data. Nationally, hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 are also trending upward, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s data tracker.
As we enter the fall and winter months, the CDC advises individuals aged 6 months and above to receive the newly enhanced Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. These updated vaccines are specifically designed to effectively combat the prevalent Omicron-based strains currently circulating.
According to Chris Van Deusen, spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services, it is advisable for everyone to obtain the latest flu shot, similarly, individuals should make arrangements to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
According to Van Deusen, viruses undergo mutations as time progresses. He further explained that the latest version of the vaccine has been specifically tailored to closely align with the specific strain of COVID-19 that has been circulating in recent months.
People five years old and older who have been previously vaccinated will only need one dose of the new vaccine, but people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may require multiple doses depending on their condition.
The CDC advises postponing vaccination for three months in the event of a recent coronavirus infection.
According to the CDC website, children ages six months to four years old who haven’t been previously vaccinated will need two to three doses depending on which vaccine they receive. Children under five who have been vaccinated in the past may still require more than one dose.
The cost of the updated COVID-19 vaccine is typically covered by the majority of health insurance plans.
People without health insurance or those who have plans that don’t cover the cost can still get the vaccine for free by going to local health centers, local health care providers or retail pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program and other federally-funded public health programs.
