The U.S. government has announced that Americans will now be able to order free COVID-19 test kits online to be delivered to their homes. The program will allow households to order up to four nasal swab tests at COVIDTests.gov, although an exact start date has not yet been provided. The tests will detect current virus strains and are being made available ahead of the holiday season to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during gatherings.
In addition to the free test kits, U.S. regulators have recently approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine that is designed to combat both current and future virus strains, including those that may emerge during the winter months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended this new vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older.
While many Americans may have some degree of immunity from previous infections or vaccinations, this protection can decrease over time. The shots from last fall were designed to target a different strain of the coronavirus that is no longer circulating. The availability of free test kits and updated vaccines is part of the ongoing effort to combat the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health.
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