Every U.S. household is eligible to receive four free COVID-19 rapid test kits this fall. When surveyed, 44% of St. Louis adults had heard about the free tests in the last week.
What we know about the at-home test kits
On September 27, the federal government announced the return of free COVID-19 test kits. The at-home over-the-counter (OTC) tests detect active COVID infections, including new COVID variants, and won’t expire before the end of the year. According to the FDA, the tests are about 80% accurate.
In our survey of 350 adults across three states, 51% were aware of the free test kits. Awareness was much higher among those ages 50 and older vs. under 50 (69% vs. 42%). This is good news because older adults are more likely to experience severe COVID illness than younger adults; testing and treatment are especially important for them.
Why are COVID test kits needed?
Free test kits are an important part of public health efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Testing helps identify infected individuals so they can isolate and seek treatment if needed. Although emergency room visits for COVID-19 are decreasing nationally, Missouri’s wastewater shows high COVID-19 viral activity.
Where are they hearing it?
Among those hearing about GLP-1 drugs in the last two week, most (53%) heard it on social media, especially those younger than 50 compared to 50+ (64% vs. 31%) and Hispanics vs. non-Hispanics (62% vs. 48%). News from TV, online, radio or newspapers was the next most common source (37%), especially for adults ages 60+ vs. <60 (80% vs. 27%) and non-Hispanics vs. Hispanics (42% vs. 28%). Family or friends (also 37%) was more common among rural vs urban residents (53% vs. 35%). Other cited sources were advertisements (23%), online searches (10%), and healthcare providers (9%).
How to get the test kit
ree at-home COVID test kits can be ordered online at covidtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233. Many of these tests now have extended expiration dates, meaning they may still be usable even after the date printed on the box. When you receive your free test kits, you can check here to find out if your test has an extended expiration date.
St. Louis organizations should share the resources below to help raise awareness of the free test kits and reduce COVID transmission in the community.
To view a printable PDF with information on free COVID test kits click here.
Survey information
This week’s report is based on a survey of 350 adult residents in St. Louis, MO (n = 143), Omaha, NE (n = 85), and Baltimore, MD (n = 122) conducted on September 28-30, 2024. Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
Download the graphics below to share about this topic.
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Want to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading? Check out these tips! Swipe for details on COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment in St. Louis.
#iHeardSTL #COVID
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Last week, the government announced the return of free COVID-19 tests for the fall! These at-home over-the-counter (OTC) tests can detect active infections, including new variants, and are effective through the end of the year. Order 4 free tests at COVIDTests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
Visit COVIDtests.gov to get yours now.
#iHeardSTL #COVID #COVIDTests #FreeCOVIDTests #AtHomeTests
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At-home COVID-19 tests can detect new variants. Be sure to follow the instructions provided with your test. Many COVID-19 tests have extended expiration dates, so you may be able to use your COVID-19 tests after the expiration date printed on the box.
#iHeardSTL #COVID #COVIDTests #FreeCOVIDTests #AtHomeTests
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