Mon Sep 23 22:09:20 UTC 2024: ## Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests to be Available Again Soon

**Washington, D.C.** – Americans will soon be able to order free at-home COVID-19 test kits, delivered straight to their door, as the federal program resumes this month. The program, run by the U.S. Health and Human Services agency, will allow households to order up to four nasal swab tests per order through the website COVIDTests.gov.

While an exact date for the program’s reopening has not been announced, an agency spokesperson confirmed that the tests will be able to detect current virus strains and are being made available ahead of the holiday season, when gatherings are expected to increase.

This news comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older. This new vaccine, approved by U.S. regulators last month, is designed to combat recent and anticipated winter virus strains.

While many Americans have immunity from prior infections or vaccinations, that protection wanes over time. The updated vaccine offers protection against the newer strains, which were not targeted by last fall’s vaccination efforts.

The availability of free at-home tests and the updated vaccine provide valuable tools for individuals to manage their risk during the upcoming holiday season.

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