Where to get free COVID-19 tests in 2024: Free at-home COVID-19 tests will be available again as a new vaccine is approved, officials say

WASHINGTON– The federal government will resume its free COVID home testing program in September as authorities prepare the country for the upcoming respiratory virus season.

Dawn O'Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services, said Friday that this was the seventh time the Biden-Harris administration has allowed Americans to order over-the-counter tests for free.

It is not clear when the COVID.gov/tests website will be back online. The site stopped accepting orders in early March.

“As families move back into their homes this fall and spend time with their loved ones, whether very old or very young, they will again have the opportunity to order up to four new COVID-19 tests for free and have them shipped directly to their homes,” O'Connell told reporters. “These tests will help keep families and their loved ones safe this fall and winter season.”

She added that the tests will be able to detect infections with variants currently in circulation.

During the same press conference, federal officials said the summer surge in COVID cases is not leading to a similar increase in hospitalizations and deaths as in previous years.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said immunity from vaccination and previous COVID infections have helped limit the burden of COVID on the health care system.

“I want to acknowledge that right now we continue to see high levels of COVID-19 activity in tests coming back from labs across the country,” Cohen said, adding, “Circulating COVID disease is not leading to a comparable increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations or deaths.”

Cohen said the severity of COVID is beginning to resemble the flu, but noted that COVID is still more dangerous.

According to a federal forecast for the upcoming respiratory virus season, the U.S. can expect similar or slightly improved peak hospitalization numbers when considering COVID, flu and RSV together, she said.

“We know that protection wanes over time and certain groups remain at higher risk from COVID and other viruses. We must continue to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” Cohen said.

Officials also reiterated who should get vaccinated against COVID, flu and RSV ahead of the upcoming respiratory virus season.

For COVID-19 and flu, the CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant women, get vaccinated against COVID and flu. Cohen said people can get both vaccines at the same time.

On Thursday, the FDA approved the updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna and granted emergency use authorization for the coming fall and winter.

COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers told ABC News that the vaccines are expected to be available in the coming week.

All infants under 8 months of age and infants aged 8 to 18 months who are at high risk should be vaccinated against RSV. RSV vaccination is also recommended for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, all adults aged 75 years and older, and adults aged 60 to 74 years who are at high risk.

In addition to testing, O'Connell said Paxlovid, an antiviral drug used to treat COVID-19 infections in people at risk of hospitalization, will be available free of charge to people with Medicare and Medicaid insurance, as well as those without health insurance.

From 2025 to 2028, Pfizer, the maker of Paxlovid, will take over the patient assistance program for people who are uninsured or underinsured, O'Connell said.

In addition, Merck's Patient Assistance Program will continue to administer Lagevrio to uninsured patients. The antiviral drug is used to treat patients hospitalized due to COVID-19.

“Distributing at-home testing and ensuring access to treatment is an essential part of the Biden-Harris administration's efforts to ensure we are as prepared as possible for the upcoming fall and winter respiratory season,” O'Connell said.