Schedule Flu & Covid-19 Tests - Rapid & PCR | Walgreens
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Testing services and at-home tests
Use your FSA, HSA or HRA funds for treatment & testing
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Due to the Public Health Emergency ending on May 11, 2023, your coverage of COVID-19 tests may have changed. If your insurance provider no longer provides testing benefits, payment may be due at the time of your appointment. Check with your insurance to see if you’re covered.
Treatment options
We’re here to help you feel better and get back to your routine.
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COVID-19 treatment
If a patient tests positive for COVID-19, a Walgreens pharmacist may be able to prescribe an antiviral treatment. Patients can complete a free screening to see if they are eligible for a pharmacist assessment. In-store treatment options available in select states.
Assessment fee:
$44.991
Pay with credit, debit card, HSA or FSA card
Cost of Rx:
Prescription price varies based on patient’s insurance plan. Copay assistance options available through patient assistance program by visiting www.paxlovid.com/paxcess opens in a new tab
Age:
12+
Learn moreFlu treatment
After a positive flu test, patient may be eligible for flu treatment either in-store or virtually, in select states. Consult with a pharmacist at the time of your appointment or online from home, and pending eligibility, get an affordable prescription treatment all within just a few hours.
Assessment fee:
Pharmacist assessment: $44.991
Virtual Healthcare visit with a doctor or nurse practitioner: $33 - $452
Pay with credit, debit card, HSA or FSA card
Cost of Rx:
Prescription price varies based on patient’s insurance plan
Age & treatment availability:
- In-store assessments available in AR, CO, FL, ID, KS, KY, MI, MN, NE, UT, WA, WI. Age varies by state
- Virtual care is available in CA, FL, GA, IL, MI, NV, NC, OH, and TX. Must be 18 years or older
Learn more on Walgreens Virtual Healthcare
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Consider joining medical research
National Institutes of Health (NIH) is recruiting participants for paid medical research to learn about the long-term effects of COVID-19.
Expert insights
Important COVID-19 information from healthcare professionals and
pharmacists to help you stay informed.
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Reducing your risk of severe COVID-19 with Paxlovid
Learn more about this anti-viral treatment and if it’s right for you.
Read onHow to test your child for COVID-19 with an at-home test with Pharmacist Emily Shafer
When to get a rapid COVID-19 test with Pharmacist Nate Boutte
Ask our Pharmacist. Rapid Flu & COVID-19 testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to your questions about testing
Testing at Walgreens
- How old do you have to be to get tested at Walgreens?
Walgreens offers testing for patients ages 3+. Minors getting tested must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors may be assisted by their parent or legal guardian during the sample self-collection process.
- How do I get tested at Walgreens?
To make an appointment, choose a location and time for your test.
- Enter patient information and complete a quick questionnaire.
- Patients will have the option to add a flu test when booking the COVID-19 testing appointment and if eligible, will receive both the COVID-19 and flu test at the store. Available at select locations.
- Arrive at the Walgreens pharmacy and follow the instructions provided in your confirmation email to receive the test at either the drive- thru or inside the store at the pharmacy department.
- The pharmacy team member will prepare the test(s) and provide instructions on how the COVID-19 and/or flu test(s) will be performed.
- If the patient is receiving a rapid flu test, the pharmacy team member will collect the sample. The patient cannot be tested via drive-thru and must come inside the store to the pharmacy department.
- Wait to receive your test results via email.α
- What do I need to bring to my test?
You will be asked to bring:
- Copy of your confirmation email (digital accepted)
- Valid state ID or driver’s license
- Insurance card or voucher, if applicable
For patients ages 3–17, the parent or legal guardian who provided consent to test the patient will be asked to show a copy of the appointment confirmation email, a valid state ID or driver’s license, and insurance card or voucher.
- Can I get tested at any Walgreens location, even if I live out of state?
Yes, we offer testing for ages 3+ at Walgreens locations nationwide. Visit our testing page to schedule a test at your preferred location.
- I don’t drive. Can I walk in for a test?
For drive-thru testing, patients must arrive in the drive-thru area in a vehicle (or on a bicycle). If the patient does not have a vehicle/bicycle, please proceed to the in-store pharmacy department to get tested. If you have symptoms, please wear a mask upon entering the store for the protection of our team members and other patients.
Walgreens offers many COVID-19 rapid antigen and PCR at-home testing options. We’re also working with Labcorp to provide Pixel by Labcorp® COVID-19 At-Home Collection Kit, a PCR test available through Labcorp OnDemand™ at no cost to individuals who meet clinical guidelines.∞
COVID-19 testing information
- Who is eligible for no cost COVID-19 testing at Walgreens?
Uninsured patients must meet federal eligibility requirementsopens in a new tab in order to receive a COVID-19 test at no cost.* To be eligible for a federally funded test, uninsured patients must have symptoms or a recent exposure to a confirmed positive COVID-19 case.
Insured patients should contact their insurance provider before receiving any testing services at Walgreens to confirm coverage and understand their plan and benefits. If their health plan does not offer testing benefits at Walgreens, the patient will be responsible for covering any out-of-pocket costs for testing. Testing services may be covered by their HSA, FSA or HRA.
- How soon after exposure to COVID-19 should I get tested?
Get tested immediately if you have symptoms of COVID-19, and isolate until you know your results, even if you’re up to date on your vaccinations. Even if you don’t develop symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after close contact exposure to someone with COVID-19.
- When is a COVID-19 test most accurate?
You’re most likely to get an accurate result at least a few days after exposure because that gives the body enough time to develop a viral load that can be detected by a test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing immediately when symptoms develop, or waiting at least 5 days after exposure if you aren’t showing symptoms.
- If I test positive for COVID-19, what treatment options does Walgreens have?
After a free initial screening to determine potential eligibility, a Walgreens pharmacist will contact you and determine if you are eligible to receive oral antiviral treatment. The assessment is $44.99, regardless of eligibility.
- If I test positive for the flu, what treatment options does Walgreens have?
To be eligible for flu treatment, you must take a rapid flu test at Walgreens. If the patient tests positive, they can complete a clinical assessment with a pharmacist to determine eligibility for antiviral prescription. Pharmacist assessment is not available for Medicaid patients at this time.
Flu antiviral treatment must be started within 48 hours of symptoms. A Walgreens pharmacist can also recommend over-the-counter relief to treat symptoms.
- Is there a treatment if I test positive for RSV?
A Walgreens pharmacist is not able prescribe a medication to treat a patient who tests positive for RSV but can recommend over-the-counter relief for symptoms. Speak to a health care provider if you are experiencing severe symptoms, or have any other questions, as you may be directed to additional care if needed. For patients 60 and older, there is an RSV vaccine that can be administered to help prevent RSV infections.
- Do COVID-19 tests detect variants?
COVID-19 tests indicate if you have an infection at the time of the test. Antigen or Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) are viral tests, both of which Walgreens offers (they’re called “viral” tests because they detect viral infection). Additional tests are needed to determine which variant caused an infection, but these typically are not authorized for patient use. For more information on variants, visit the CDCopens in a new tab.
- How long can you test positive for COVID-19?
After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for some time after. You may continue to test positive on antigen tests for a few weeks after your initial positive. You may continue to test positive on rapid tests for up to 90 days.
For more information, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
- How does the Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit curbside pickup testing process work?
We’ve partnered with Labcorp to provide Pixel by Labcorp® COVID-19 At-Home Collection Kit, a PCR test available through Labcorp OnDemand™ at no cost to individuals who meet clinical guidelines.∞
To get your Pixel by Labcorp® kit at select Walgreens locations:
Visit our scheduler to request a Labcorp COVID-19 at-home kit for Pickup.µ
- Select the location nearest you that has the product in stock and fill out necessary information.
- Collect your test collection kit from the designated pickup location.
- Follow the instructions provided by LabCorp to collect your sample at home and send it to the laboratory for processing.
- Drop off completed tests at one of more than 6,000 Walgreens locations that offer FedEx drop off or at a FedEx drop off location using the pre-paid FedEx Priority Overnight bag provided.
You will receive an email from LabCorp containing a secure link to your results once they are ready.α
Learn more about at home collection kit PCR tests or pick a store herepick a store.
Get answers to your questions about flu testing
- Why should I get tested for the flu?
Symptoms of both flu and COVID-19 are similar, including but not limited to:
- Aches
- Fever
- Coughing
- Sore Throat
- Fatigue
Testing helps determine which condition is causing your symptoms. This allows a Walgreens pharmacist to obtain the information they need to help you manage symptoms and potentially receive treatment.
- What is the cost of flu testing at Walgreens?
Insurance coverage for flu and COVID-19 testing may vary depending on your insurance provider and plan.4 Before receiving any testing services at Walgreens, please contact your insurance provider to understand your benefits. While these tests are administered together, it is possible that your plan may cover one but not the other. Uninsured patients that meet federal eligibility criteriaopens in a new tab may be eligible to receive a no cost PCR flu test as part of the combination COVID-19 and Influenza A/B test offered by Walgreens.
The patient is responsible for covering any out-of-pocket costs not covered by their insurance provider. Patients who have flu-like symptoms can elect to pay $128.99 out of pocket for a rapid flu test. Patients may also elect to receive a combination COVID and PCR flu test for an out of pocket cost of $164.99. Testing services at Walgreens may be covered by your HSA, FSA or HRA.
- Why do I have to get the flu and COVID-19 test together? Why can’t I get the flu test alone?
The flu and COVID-19 share many similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to determine which virus may be causing your symptoms. Pharmacists are required to co-administer flu and COVID-19 testing, which will help make this determination. Testing results allow a pharmacist to properly support the patient by advising on the appropriate symptom management or treatment options, if available.
- Why are rapid flu tests offered only in store?
Sample collection for a rapid flu test must be conducted by a health care provider. One of our trained pharmacy team members will collect a shallow nasal swab for both the Influenza A/B and COVID-19 test in the store. Please wear a mask when arriving for your appointment; our pharmacy team will also provide a mask if you need one.
At-home testing
- How can I order at-home COVID-19 antigen tests through the pharmacy?
Choose your pickup store. Note, test availability may vary by store.
- Select your quantity. You can choose 2, 4, 6 or 8 tests.
- Enter the patient information and complete a quick questionnaire.
- Enter your insurance information, and we’ll submit a claim on your behalf to see if your insurance provider offers coverage. You will be responsible for the full price of the tests if your insurance provider denies the claim.**
- When your order is ready, we’ll contact you with detailed pickup instructions or you may choose home delivery.
Learn more about at-home COVID-19 test kits or pick a store herepick a store.
- What at-home COVID-19 tests are available at Walgreens?
We offer several types of at-home COVID-19 tests for purchase online or at your local Walgreens.
- Walgreens brand now offers a new FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 test that provides fast, easy-to-understand results in just 10 minutes, allowing you to take charge of your own testing without a lab appointment.
- BinaxNOW is an FDA-authorized self-testing kit available without a prescription. This 15-minute test can be completed anytime, anywhere, without the need to ship samples to a lab.
- QuickVue is an at-home COVID-19 test that provides fast, easy-to-understand results in just 10 minutes, allowing you to take charge of your own testing without a lab appointment.
- Flowflex is an FDA-authorized COVID-19 antigen home test that requires only one test. Get results in 15 minutes with a nasal swab.
Travel
- When do I need to get a COVID-19 test if I’m traveling?
If you are traveling outside of the United States, please check with your airline and destination for local guidance and requirements. The CDC recommends all travelers get up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines prior to travel and consider getting tested as close to time of departure as possible, no more than three days before their trip.
If you’re traveling domestically, the CDC recommendsopens in a new tab all travelers consider getting tested no more than three days before your trip and also after travel if your trip puts you at greater risk of exposure. We recommend checking guidance at your local destination prior to travel.
Please note: Testing for travel is no longer covered by federal testing criteria. You may be required to pay for your test if your insurance plan does not cover it. Please contact your insurance provider for coverage information.
- I’m getting ready to travel. What do I need to do?
Staying up to dateon your COVID-19 vaccine. opens in a new tab on your COVID-19 vaccines—and getting tested before and after traveling, along with taking everyday precautions—can help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on planes, in airports, at destinations and back home. Please check with your airline and destination for local guidance and requirements.
Before you travel:
Get resources for domesticopens in a new tab, internationalopens in a new tab and cruise shipopens in a new tab travel.
- Check specific travel recommendations for your destination.
- Make sure you understand and follow any testing, proof of vaccination, masking and quarantine requirements at your destination.
If you’re not fully vaccinated or if a negative COVID-19 test is needed for entry, get tested at a Walgreens near you
.
After you travel:
All travelers—including individuals who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines—should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested three to five days after travel, if they develop symptoms.
To travel with confidence, follow the latest CDC guidanceopens in a new tab.
Please note: Testing for travel is no longer covered by federal testing criteria. You may be required to pay for your test if your insurance plan does not cover it. Please contact your insurance provider for coverage information.
Test results
- How will I get my test results?
After testing, you’ll receive an email that contains a secured link to your test results. If you’ve tested within the last 30 days and need help accessing your test result records, call the store where you received your COVID-19 or flu test. If it’s been longer than 30 days, please call the Walgreens custodian of Records at 217-554-8949.
Three options for saving your results:
- Take a screenshot
- Download the PDF to your device
- Scan the QR code to save your results to a Smart Health Card-compatible app, such as CommonPass or CommonHealth.
- When will I get my test results?
Test results turnaround times will vary based on location and the type of test taken. You will be notified of the results by email.
- PCR Test results typically available within 48 hoursα
- Rapid Test results available within 2 hours
- Rapid Antigen Test results available within 2 hours
††Test results cannot be guaranteed by a specific time, including for travel. PCR test results turnaround time is an estimate and may vary during periods of increased demand and other factors, such as transmitting and processing delays during weekends, holidays or inclement weather.
- If I test positive for COVID-19, how can I treat my symptoms?
In accordance with CDC guidance, it is recommended that if you test positive for COVID-19, you should remain home for at least 5 days while isolating from others in the home, wear a mask around others, avoid sharing personal items, and seek medical care as needed or in case of a medical emergency. Visit the DC website for more information: Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 | CDCopens in a new tab.
- How can I report the results of my at-home COVID-19 test?
You can report negative or positive tests for yourself or any member of your family to your provider and at MakeMyTestCount.org. Your answers are anonymous, secure and cannot be traced back to you.
For more information, visit MakeMyTestCount.org.
- Why should I report the results of my at-home COVID-19 test to MakeMyTestCount.org?
At-home COVID-19 tests allow us to quickly and easily find out whether we’re infected with the virus. But if we don’t share our test results, the people who work to keep us safe from this disease won’t know how fast the virus is spreading, or where surges are happening. Without that information, they can’t do the work they need to do to keep us and our communities safe.
The data from MakeMyTestCount.org can help public health teams do that work - while keeping your personal test results private and anonymous. When you share your result, you help keep yourself and your community safe from COVID-19 - both now and in the future. For more information, visit MakeMyTestCount.org
Treatment Options
- What is Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is an oral antiviral treatment regimen for people who recently tested positive for COVID-19, are symptomatic and are high risk for severe disease and/or hospitalization . It’s approved for use in adult patients and has emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration for children ages 12-17, based on a clinical trial where high-risk patients treated with Paxlovid saw an 89% reduction in the risk of severe disease and/or hospitalization. For more information, view the Paxlovid Fact Sheetopens in a new tab
- What are the side effects of Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is generally well-tolerated. Possible side effects include:
- Altered or impaired taste
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood pressure
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
Patients should stop taking Paxlovid and contact a primary healthcare provider immediately if they experience allergic reactions such as:
- Hives
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of the mouth, lips, or face
- Tightness in the throat
- Unusual hoarseness in voice
- A skin rash
- Who’s eligible for Paxlovid?
Not everyone who meets initial screening requirements will get a Paxlovid prescription. A clinical assessment with a healthcare professional is required. At Walgreens, this assessment will be conducted over the phone with a pharmacist. To qualify for the assessment, patients must:
- Be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms)
- Have recently tested positive for COVID-19
- Have COVID-19 symptoms that began within the last 5 days
- Have one or more risk factors for developing severe disease
- Have lab results within the past 12 months––including kidney and liver function
- Why is a consultation with a healthcare professional needed for Paxlovid?
Patients who meet initial screening requirements will still need to meet with a healthcare professional. At Walgreens, this will be a Walgreens pharmacist, to determine if Paxlovid is an appropriate treatment (based on specific FDA eligibility criteria and personal health history). Regardless if Paxlovid is prescribed, the consultation cost is $44.99 and will be charged during the over-the-phone pharmacist assessment. Patient insurance, flexible spending account (FSA) funds or healthcare spending account (HSA) funds may be used to cover this cost. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider or benefit plan to see if the cost is covered.
- How much does Paxlovid cost?
Once prescribed, Paxlovid is available at no cost. The over-the-phone assessment with a Walgreens pharmacist to determine whether a Paxlovid prescription is appropriate (regardless of if Paxlovid is prescribed)—is $44.99. Patient insurance, flexible spending account (FSA) funds, or healthcare spending account (HSA) funds may be used to cover this cost. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider or benefit plan to see if the cost is covered.
Information on this page is sourced from the CDC website. In the event of a discrepancy between the information on Walgreens.com and the CDC website, please follow the CDC’s guidance.
Available to customers ages 3 and older. Payment due at time of service. Test cannot be billed to insurance.
* No cost COVID-19 testing may be available for uninsured patients who meet federal eligibility criteria or insured patients depending on plan benefits. Contact your plan to confirm coverage criteria and copayment amount before scheduling your test. You may be billed by Walgreens, and if applicable, the laboratory, for up to the full price of the test if you owe a copay, your insurance denies coverage or if you don’t meet eligibility criteria for government no-cost testing programs.
α Test results cannot be guaranteed by a specific time, including for travel. PCR test results turnaround time is an estimate and may vary during periods of increased demand and other factors, such as transmitting and processing delays during weekends, holidays or inclement weather.
** Contact your insurance plan to confirm coverage of at-home COVID-19 tests. If your plan does provide coverage, there may be cost-sharing and limits to the number of tests covered per person per month. Test kits are non-refundable. After you submit your order, a Walgreens pharmacist will confirm your eligibility and your potential copay amounts with your insurance plan.
∞ Individuals must meet one or more of the following requirements to qualify for a Pixel by Labcorp® COVID-19 test at-home collection kit at no cost: Experiencing mild symptoms; exposed to someone with COVID-19; live or work in a congregate setting; and/or asked to get tested by a healthcare professional, contact investigator, or public health department.
µ Limit one test kit per order. COVID-19 test home collection kit availability varies by store.
∞ The Pixel by Labcorp PCR Test Home Collection Kit has not been FDA-cleared or approved but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA under an EUA, and has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.
†† No-cost at-home COVID-19 test kits are available to customers ages 2 and older. Test kits are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Customers will not be billed. To get tested, customers must register their kit with Labcorp and provide their demographic information. Customers must self-swab and mail their kit to Labcorp, as directed, free of charge. Customers may order one test kit at a time.
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Antigen Self Test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. It has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARSCoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens, and is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.
1 There is a $44.99 fee for assessment (“Fee”), which is nonrefundable, even if patient is determined to be ineligible. Patient(s) must contact insurance provider to determine if fee is eligible for coverage. Assessment is not available for Medicaid patients at this time. In order for a Walgreens pharmacist to prescribe oral antiviral therapy, the patient must test positive for COVID-19 or influenza and complete clinical assessment with a Walgreens pharmacist.
2 Services for non-emergency conditions currently available only in CA, GL, GA, IL MI, NV, NC, OH, and TX. Insurance not accepted for virtual care services. For more info, see: Walgreens.com/VirtualHealthcare
4 Must be symptomatic and have flu testing done with COVID-19 testing in order to be eligible. Please contact your health plan before scheduling to confirm the test meets coverage criteria and any cost-sharing amount. You may be billed by Walgreens and, if applicable, the laboratory for up to the full price of the test if your health plan denies coverage. Uninsured patients who meet federal eligibility criteria may be eligible to receive a no cost COVID-19 and flu PCR test.