Get the latest Texas news by signing up for The Brief, the daily newsletter from The Texas Tribune.
American households can now request up to four free COVID-19 rapid tests for delivery. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has resumed its testing program after pausing it in May.
Expired at-home tests should not be discarded yet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates of several at-home tests. Many of these tests are still effective for several months to a year longer than their original expiry dates.
The availability of COVID-19 testing has increased as 35 Texans died from the virus last week. According to state data, over 1,500 Texans were hospitalized with COVID-19 during the same period. Nationally, hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 are also rising, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s data tracker.
Updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are now available to combat the circulating strains, which are predominantly Omicron-based. The CDC recommends getting an updated COVID-19 shot for anyone aged 6 months or older, especially as the fall and winter months approach.
Just like getting an updated flu shot, it is advised to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Chris Van Deusen, spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services, emphasized the importance of keeping up with vaccine developments, stating that the new version of the vaccine aligns more closely with the current strain of COVID-19 in circulation.
Individuals aged five and older who have previously been vaccinated only need one dose of the updated vaccine. However, those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may require multiple doses depending on their condition.
If someone has recently had a coronavirus infection, the CDC recommends delaying vaccination by three months.
According to the CDC website, children between the ages of six months and four years who have not received prior vaccination will need two to three doses of the vaccine, depending on the type they receive. Children under five who have been previously vaccinated may also require more than one dose.
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals without health insurance or those with plans that do not cover the cost can still obtain the vaccine for free by visiting local health centers, healthcare providers, or retail pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program and other federally-funded public health programs.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.