Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Order 4 Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

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CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC 24/7: Saving Lives, Protecting People
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
November 1, 2023
COVID-19 Testing, Self-Tests (At-Home Tests)
graphic of a covid test

Get 4 Free COVID-19 Tests


Every U.S. household can order 4 more free COVID-19 self-tests. 
Self-tests (also called at-home tests and over-the-counter tests) are one of several tools that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.

Self-tests can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results.

You can place an order 
  • Online at COVIDTests.gov
  • By calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)
  • By calling or emailing the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) at 1-888-677-1199 or DIAL@usaginganddisability.org (for people with disabilities)

Graphic of doctor giving a COVID test to a young man

Things to Consider When Taking A COVID-19 Test


When you get tested for COVID-19:

  1. Make sure to test at the right time
  2. Choose the right type of test for your circumstance
  3. Follow test directions as recommended by FDA

Visit CDC’s website to learn more about COVID-19 testing, including how and when to use a self-test, and other things to keep in mind when you take a COVID-19 test.

Many of us may have expired COVID-19 self-tests. Before you throw out “expired” COVID-19 self-tests, check to see if their expiration dates have been extended.

The expiration date is the date through which the test is expected to perform as accurately as when manufactured. Sometimes, a test’s expiration date is extended.

You can check FDA’s website to find more information on the test, including if the expiration date has been extended, how the test performs, and other details that may help you decide what test is right for you.


To learn more about COVID-19 testing, visit:
COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know| CDC


To see if the expiration date for your at-home COVID-19 tests has been extended, visit: At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA

Graphic of woman sneezing with COVID bacteria swirling around her

Take Precautions If You Have COVID-19


If you have COVID-19, you can take precautions to protect yourself and others.

  • Stay home and separate yourself from others
  • Improve ventilation (air flow) at home
  • Wear a high-quality mask when you’re around others
  • Ask a healthcare provider about treatments that may be available to you

graphic of a graph of covid cases

Stay Informed with the COVID Data Tracker


COVID Data Tracker provides the most recent data and trends on COVID-19 test positivity, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. You can explore data on hospital admission levels to learn how COVID-19 is impacting your area, and also find information on variants and wastewater surveillance.

graphic of a doctor giving a vaccine

How to Get Your COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccines This Year


Immunizations are available this fall and winter in the United States that can help protect against three major respiratory diseases: COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Immunization against these viruses remains the best protection for reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalizations, long-term health impacts, and death.


Recommendations for these immunizations vary based on age, pregnancy status, or medical conditions. To learn more, including how to find recommended immunizations, visit: How to Get Your Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines This Year | CDC


Updates to This Newsletter


CDC is expanding the information you receive through this COVID-19 newsletter to also include information on protecting yourself and loved ones against other respiratory viruses. If you’d like to continue receiving this newsletter, you’re all set – no action is needed. If you do not wish to receive a newsletter that includes content on other respiratory viruses and COVID-19, you can remove yourself at the unsubscribe page.


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd   Atlanta, GA 30329   1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348
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Friday, September 29, 2023

COVID-19 Updates

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CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC 24/7: Saving Lives, Protecting People
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
September 29, 2023
This message includes updates on COVID-19 from CDC.
Graphic of the COVID-19 recommendations

CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccine


CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get the updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness. The updated vaccine is safe and effective at protecting against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death, and it also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID.

Getting vaccinated is especially important for people at highest risk for severe illness, including:

• People who have certain health conditions
• People who have a weakened immune system
• People who are pregnant

Read more about the updated vaccine and CDC’s recommendation.

Graphic of man showing his band aid

Why You Should Get the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine


Protection from previous vaccination or infection weakens over time. This updated vaccine is a better match to protect against the most common variants circulating now. You and your family members ages 6 months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter.

Find COVID‑19 vaccine locations near you: www.vaccines.gov


Graphic of diverse group of people showing their band aids

COVID-19 Vaccines Are Still Free for Most


Most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. People who don’t have health insurance, or are with health plans that do not cover the cost, can get a free vaccine from their local health centers; state, local, tribal, or territorial health department; and pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program also may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.

graphic of a graph of covid cases

Stay Informed with the COVID Data Tracker


COVID Data Tracker provides the most recent data and trends on COVID-19 test positivity, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. You can explore data on hospital admission levels to learn how COVID-19 is impacting your area, and also find information on variants and wastewater surveillance.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd   Atlanta, GA 30329   1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348
Questions or Problems  |  Unsubscribe

Monday, September 11, 2023

COVID-19 Updates

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CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC 24/7: Saving Lives, Protecting People
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
September 11, 2023
This message includes updates on COVID-19 from CDC.
Graphic of the COVID-19 virus

COVID-19 Immunity


Immunity against COVID-19 is stronger today than at any other point since COVID-19 emerged. Immunity from vaccines and/or previous infection acts like a shield against the virus and reduces your chance of getting a serious infection. But we still need to be cautious because immune protection decreases over time. This is especially important for older adults, who make up most of the hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.

We also have to remember that the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to change. For example, we are currently learning more about a newer variant called BA.2.86. It’s a reminder to use the tools we have to fight COVID-19.

Here are ways to keep you and your loved ones safe as we head into the fall season.

Graphic of bottle of COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccines


The updated COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be available in mid-September. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet tomorrow, September 12, 2023, to review scientific data and is expected to discuss and vote on vaccine recommendations. Meetings are open to the public and available online via live webcast.

Graphic of covid data tracker

COVID Data


COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are increasing in the United States but remain relatively low compared to peaks seen last year. Although hospitalization rates have increased in all age groups since early July, rates have increased the most in adults 65 years and older and in infants and children, especially infants younger than 6 months. Keep an eye on COVID-19 levels in your area by visiting the COVID Data Tracker. 

Introducing CDC’s Respiratory Virus Updates

Be prepared for the fall and winter respiratory virus season. CDC has created a go-to spot for posting updates on respiratory viruses every week. Make sure to favorite this site to get the latest data and science, prevention tips, vaccination updates, and more.

U.S. map showing COVID-19 Community Levels

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd   Atlanta, GA 30329   1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348
Questions or Problems  |  Unsubscribe

Kick-off a Healthy Summer: Respiratory Health & Immunization News - June/July 2026

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