Better Health with Updated COVID-19 Vaccines and Free At-Home Tests

Published on September 26, 2024

As Respiratory Virus Season Arrives in Denver, Fall into Better Health with Updated COVID-19 Vaccines and Free At-Home Tests

Just in time for the fall and winter virus season, the federal government has rolled out updated COVID-19 vaccines and renewed their initiative to provide free at-home testing kits to all U.S. households. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) strongly recommends everyone aged 6 months and older receives the updated COVID-19 vaccine and orders their free COVID-19 test kits to keep on hand in their medicine cabinets.

Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved new COVID-19 vaccines designed to address the latest variants of the virus. These updated vaccines aim to enhance protection against emerging strains and provide more robust immunity for individuals of all ages. The new vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and have been shown to be safe and effective. Getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine minimizes the risk of experiencing the lingering symptoms of Long COVID. DDPHE recommends everyone over six months of age receive the updated vaccine unless they have received a COVID-19 vaccine in the last two months. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available on the DDPHE COVID-19 webpage.

Most Denver residents can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. Children who quality for the Vaccines for Children program can receive the vaccine from a participating provider. DDPHE is committed to making vaccines accessible and readily available in the community. Check the online schedule to find an upcoming immunization clinic.  

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests for Every Household

In addition to the new vaccines, the federal government is reintroducing its initiative to provide free at-home COVID-19 testing kits. Beginning today, every household in the U.S. is eligible to order up to four free tests through the COVIDTests.gov website. This initiative is designed to make testing more accessible and to help individuals quickly identify and isolate cases of COVID-19, reducing the spread of the virus.

To request free at-home tests, visit COVIDTests.gov and follow the simple instructions to place your order. Tests will be shipped directly to your home at no cost. The site also provides detailed information on how to use the tests and what steps to take if you receive a positive result.

Stay Protected with Other Routine Vaccines this Season!

While you're visiting your healthcare provider for your COVID-19 vaccine, it's a good opportunity to talk to them about other routine vaccinations you might need to get caught up on, including the flu vaccine. Each year, the flu vaccine is updated based on potentially circulating variants. The typical flu season starts in October and ends in late spring, with illnesses peaking in December through February. DDPHE recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get vaccinated against the flu each year. Getting a flu shot not only helps protect you from getting ill but may also protect those around who are at higher risk of severe illness. You can even get a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine during the same visit if you are due for both. Learn more about the flu and where to find a flu vaccine, as well as flu-related data on the DDPHE flu webpage

In addition to COVID-19, flu, and other routine vaccines, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is available and recommended for some older adults, pregnant women and infants. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can be serious. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you or for your loved ones. Learn more on the DDPHE RSV webpage

DDPHE continues to urge everyone to be mindful and take precautions when going about their fall and winter routines: practice good hand hygiene habits, and if you feel sick, stay home, and get tested if you suspect you might have COVID-19. Learn more about how to stay safe this season on the DDPHE Healthy Insights blog