Four Free COVID-19 Tests Per Household Available Monday, September 25
Free vaccines are also available
Beginning Monday, September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home by contacting COVIDtests.gov. Before you throw out "Expired" tests: Check here to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
In addition to the antigen tests available for home delivery, the U.S. Government will continue to make COVID-19 tests (including PCR tests) available to uninsured individuals and underserved communities through existing outreach programs. Please contact a HRSA health center (Riverstone Health in Carbon County), Test to Treat site [All but a few require an additional visit to a health care provider though a few pharmacies provide tele-health options. Paxlovid is the treatment most widely available, although Lagevrio (molnupiravir) can be found], or ICATT location near you (only three Billings Walgreens locations are listed near Carbon County) to learn how to access low- or no-cost COVID-19 tests provided by the federal government.
There are two types of tests available: antigen and PCR. The antigen test can be done at home and takes from 10 to 15 minutes. The positive results of antigen tests are quite accurate; however, negative results are less reliable. Although self-tests are usually faster, they are not as good at detecting the virus as PCR tests, meaning you might get a false negative result.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recommends people who get an initial negative result on an antigen (home) test, take at least one more test 48 hours later. Take a third test, 48 hours after the second, if the second test was negative and you don’t have symptoms. Self-tests are more likely to detect the virus if you have symptoms. As an alternate to repeat testing you may get a PCR test.
Self-tests, along with vaccination and prevention actions, can help you protect yourself and others.
WHEN TO TEST YOURSELF
IF YOU HAVE ANY COVID-19 SYMPTOMS: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea
TEST IMMEDIATELY
IF YOU TEST NEGATIVE for COVID-19 using an at-home antigen test, repeat* the test again 48 hours after your first test (FDA message on minimizing false negatives). Also, consider consulting a healthcare provider to see if you need to be tested for another viral infection or illness. Follow precautions on how to protect yourself and others (wash your hands, mask, limit contact, social distance).
IF YOU WERE EXPOSED TO SOMEONE WITH COVID-19:
Test at least 5 full days after your exposure.
If you test negative for COVID-19 using an at-home antigen test, repeat* the test again 48 hours after your first test. If both tests are negative, then repeat testing after another 48 hours for a total of three tests.
*You may get a PCR test as an alternative to repeat testing.
Testing can be helpful even when you don’t have symptoms or a recent exposure to COVID-19, such as before an event or visiting someone who may be vulnerable. Test as close to the time of the event as possible (at least within 1-2 days) to help you make informed decisions about your health and your risk of spreading COVID-19 to others.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at CVS and Walgreen pharmacies, which both participate in the Bridge Access Program providing the COVID-19 vaccine for free to the uninsured and underinsured. The nearest location is the CVS in Laurel. They have Pfizer and Moderna vaccines available. They both also offer this year’s flu vaccine. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.
SCL Mountain View Clinic in Red Lodge does not offer the COVID-19 vaccination but is now offering both the regular and senior flu shots by appointment (446-3800). Beartooth Billings Clinic and Carbon County Public Health did not respond to requests for vaccination information.