As the United States braces for the respiratory virus season with COVID-19 cases already on the rise, the government is set to distribute more free at-home tests. Starting at the end of September, households will be eligible to order a new set of four at-home test kits from COVIDTests.gov. This initiative marks the seventh round of distribution in the program, which has already delivered over 900 million test kits directly to US residents, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

"Knowing your COVID-19 status is crucial for deciding next steps, such as seeking treatment to mitigate severe illness or taking preventive measures to reduce transmission," the agency stated. The upcoming tests are designed to identify the current circulating variants, providing a valuable tool as people prepare for holiday gatherings.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasized the importance of vigilance: "Our best defense this winter is to utilize the resources at our disposal—vaccines, testing, and treatments—to combat the illnesses that typically peak in fall and winter, leading to increased deaths and hospitalizations."

The CDC advises everyone aged six months and older to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the season. This year, options include updated mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, which target the KP.2 variant, predominant in the US since May, suitable for individuals six months and older. Additionally, Novavax offers a protein-based vaccine targeting the JN.1 variant, although it is less prominent now. This vaccine is approved for individuals aged 12 and up.

The updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available across US pharmacies and can be administered concurrently with the annual flu vaccine.