Where can I buy a test? How to get a free test kit

With fall upon us, Ohioans may be concerned about the COVID-19 virus and other respiratory illnesses.

Pharmacies and other medical centers across the state are replenishing their annual supplies of COVID-19 vaccines and tests to prepare for the upcoming season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over 6 months of age receive a COVID-19 vaccination in 2024–25.

But how can residents get tested for COVID-19? Here's what you need to know.

How to get free COVID-19 test kits by mail

Starting in late September, Americans will be able to have free COVID test kits shipped to their homes, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has not yet announced an exact date, according to CBS News. Once the federal program resumes, all U.S. households will be able to order up to four free COVID-19 tests through COVIDtests.gov.

Where can you buy COVID-19 tests?

The FDA has a list of approved kits, some of which are available online and in various stores such as Walmart, CVS, Target, and others, with some costing as little as $8.49.

Check here to see which tests are available at your local dealer and whether they are FDA-approved tests.