ATLANTA, USA, (CDC) – Every home in the United States is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. These tests give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required) according to updates on the COVID-19 response from Centers for Disease Control (CDC), January 24, 2022.
COVID-19 self-tests (also referred to as home tests or over-the-counter tests) are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, 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 use self-tests, regardless of vaccination status, or whether or not you have symptoms. Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for performing the test, says CDC.
COVID-19 vaccines for Children and Teens
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect children ages 5 years and older from getting COVID-19.
Vaccinating children can help protect family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if they are infected.
Vaccination can also help keep children from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID-19. Vaccinating children ages 5 years and older can help keep them in school and help them safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities.
Before recommending COVID-19 vaccination for children, scientists conducted clinical trials with thousands of children and no serious safety concerns were identified. Learn more about the process of developing, authorizing, and approving COVID-19 vaccines.
Teens ages 12 to 17 should receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot at least 5 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 primary series. Currently, a booster shot is not recommended for children younger than 12. Learn more.
Source CDC