COVID-19 vaccines COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States effectively protect people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying. As with vaccines for other diseases, you are protected best when you stay up to date. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccines. People aged 65 and older should receive 1 additional dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine. CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (Medication for Preventing COVID-19) FDA has authorized a preventive monoclonal antibody for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, ages 12 years and older, and weighing at least 88 pounds. In addition to vaccination, Pemivibart (Pemgarda™) may provide another layer of protection against COVID-19 and can be given at least 2 weeks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. A healthcare provider gives Pemgarda as a single intravenous infusion over 60 minutes at a doctor’s office or healthcare facility. If continued protection is needed, additional doses should be administered every 3 months. People who are privately insured or have Medicare part B may receive Pemgarda for free. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if Pemgarda is right for you. To find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.

COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others. When you get tested: Choose the right type of test for your circumstance For antigen tests, follow test directions as recommended by FDA and the test manufacturer If you do not, your results may be less likely to correctly indicate whether you have COVID-19 or not.

Viral tests look for a current infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by testing specimens from your nose or mouth. There are two main types of viral tests: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests Antigen tests

PCR tests are the “gold standard” for COVID-19 tests. They are a type of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which are more likely to detect the virus than antigen tests. Your sample will usually be taken by a healthcare provider and transported to a laboratory for testing. It may take up to 3 days to receive results.

Antigen tests* are rapid tests that usually produce results in 15-30 minutes. Positive results are accurate and reliable. However, in general, antigen tests are less likely to detect the virus than PCR tests, especially when symptoms are not present. Therefore, a single negative antigen test cannot rule out infection. To be confident you do not have COVID-19, FDA recommends 2 negative antigen tests for individuals with symptoms or 3 antigen tests for those without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart. A single PCR test can be used to confirm an antigen test result. *Self-tests, or at-home tests, are antigen tests that can be taken anywhere without having to go to a specific testing site. Read self-test package inserts thoroughly and follow the instructions closely when performing the test.

If Your COVID-19 Test Is Positive A positive COVID-19 test means the virus was detected and you have or recently had an infection. Take steps to prevent spreading COVID-19. Monitor your symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately. Seek health care right away for treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness. Treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin. If Your COVID-19 Test Is Negative A negative COVID-19 test means the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn’t rule out that you could have an infection. If you used an antigen test, follow FDA recommendations for repeat testing. If you have symptoms: You may have COVID-19 but tested before the virus was detectable. You may have another viral infection or illness. Take actions to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses. Contact a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your test result.