COVID source shout-out: Free PCR tests from Walgreens

In May 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Walgreens, and Labcorp started offering free PCR tests at select pharmacy locations. The program appears to still be available following the end of the federal public health emergency.

Through the program, Americans can pick up a free kit to take a PCR test at home, then ship their sample to Labcorp for analysis. No insurance information is required. Results should be available within two days of the lab receiving the patient’s sample, according to Walgreens. About 1,000 Walgreens locations across the country are stocking these free tests, but they need to be picked up in person.

I learned about this Walgreens program from the People’s CDC, which included it in their Weather Report newsletter on July 10. The newsletter suggests this program is recent, though I haven’t been able to find any other news about it besides a press release from May 2022. So, either tests are still available from the original iteration of the program or Walgreens revamped it recently.

Either way, this Walgreens program is a helpful option for anyone looking to get a free PCR test—though it’s obviously far below the extensive, accessible PCR testing network that the U.S. continues to need. If any readers try this out, I would be curious to learn about your experience!