COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Over-The-Counter Test Kits Information
In conjunction with vaccination and other measures, self-testing can help reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19
- Over-the-counter tests do not require a provider and can be administered at-home, with or without symptoms
Pennsylvanians can obtain over-the-counter rapid tests via publicly accessible channels:
- Via mail by ordering at covidtests.gov or 1-800-232-0233 / TTY: 1-888-720-7489 – residents who ordered tests in February are now eligible for an additional 4 tests per household
- At a community health center or rural health clinic: residents can learn more and find locations here
- From a retail store or pharmacy where many over-the-counter tests are free or reimbursable under insurance
- Via programs set up by a local county or municipal health department: residents should check what testing resources their local health departments may provide
In addition, specific populations can also access tests via DOH's other programs or connections with federal programs:
- K-12 schools: DOH has partnered with Ginkgo to offer staffing and supplies for free PCR and rapid antigen testing, in addition to tests provided by the federal government
- Long-term care facilities: In addition to supplies offered by the federal government, DOH is continuing distributions of rapid antigen test kits to facilities with CLIA certificates and need
- Community-based PCR testing: DOH has partnered with AMI to offer free PCR tests at rotating community-based sites
In parallel, DOH is providing a limited number of at-home tests for distribution to the public via state health centers and other community partners:
- These resources are intended for Pennsylvania's high-need populations with otherwise limited access to testing – residents who can access publicly available resources should seek those to the extent that they are able to
- Test distributions will be limited per-person; pick-up locations and times can be found below
Test information:
- Tests have received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA
- Tests are approved for at-home use and do not require a medical provider to oversee use
- Tests are approved for individuals two and older; tests can be self-collected by an individual aged 14 years and older, children aged 2-13 years should be tested by an adult
- Tests provide results in about 15 minutes
Pickup information:
- Test kits are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis at the pickup sites & times below. No appointment is necessary
- Tests are free to all individuals
- Individuals are not required to show symptoms of COVID-19 in order to pick up a test kit
- Individuals are limited to picking up a maximum of 4 tests to ensure equitable distribution across the Commonwealth
Organization/entity name | Street | City | Zip code | County | Distribution times |
Bedford Co SHC | 130 Vondersmith Ave, Suite A | Bedford | 15522 | Bedford | Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 - 11:30am; 1:30 - 4pm |
Roaring Spring Community Library | 320 E Main St | Roaring Spring | 16673 | Blair | Monday 9am-6:30pm, Tuesday-Thursday 9am-4pm |
St Vincent de Paul Society Northern Cambria | 1907 Bigler Avenue #124 | Northern Cambria | 15714 | Cambria | Monday & Friday 10am-1pm; Tuesday & Thursday 9am-12pm |
Antioch Tabernacle Church | 1920 North Street | Harrisburg | 17103 | Dauphin | Tuesdays 10am-12pm |
Lancaster Public Library | 125 N. Duke Street | Lancaster | 17602 | Lancaster | Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-2pm |
Monroe County Office of Emergency Management | 100 Gypsum Rd, Suite 100 | Stroudsburg | 18360 | Monroe | Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm |
PA Department of Health | 167 N. Main St Ste 100 Lower Level | Washington PA | 15301 | Washington | Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm |