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May 29, 2024 · Who can get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests. You can get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from a pharmacy if you're at risk of being seriously ill with COVID-19. You do not need an appointment but you'll need to show your pharmacy that you're eligible for COVID-19 treatments. Find out if you're eligible for treatments for COVID-19.
Someone else can collect free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests on your behalf, for example, a friend, relative or carer. They will need to tell the pharmacy their name and address. Anyone collecting free tests on your behalf needs to give the pharmacy your details, including your: name. address.
COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests show the result on the testing device. What your COVID-19 test results means Positive test result. If you get a positive result, it means it’s very likely you have COVID-19. Try to stay home and avoid contact with other people for: 3 days if you are under 18 years; 5 days if you are 18 or over
- Overview
- Background information
Over 90% of community pharmacies in England now offering free, rapid tests for home use.
Nine in ten pharmacies across England are now distributing free rapid lateral flow tests for people to collect and use at home.
Rapid, regular testing is now available to everyone in England and the new ‘Pharmacy Collect’ service provides an additional route to regular testing, making it as easy as possible for people without COVID-19 symptoms to access testing twice a week.
The Pharmacy Collect service is available to people aged over 18 without symptoms, who are able to visit a participating local pharmacy and collect a box of 7 rapid tests to use twice a week at home.
Alongside the rollout of the vaccine, testing will form a crucial part of everyday life as parts of society reopen. Around 1 in 3 people with coronavirus don’t have symptoms, which means they can spread the virus without knowing it. Regular testing continues to play a critical role in stopping the spread of the virus and breaking the chains of transmission.
An online checker has launched so people can find their nearest pharmacy offering free rapid test kits.
The test kits will be provided free of charge to anyone requesting them with one box of test kits per person.
All pharmacies that sign up to deliver the service will receive a set-up fee and a transaction fee every time a member of the public collects a kit.
Each box contains 7 LFDs. This allows the person to test themselves twice weekly within a 3-week timeframe. This number of tests in the box factors in the potential for a void test.
The majority of pharmacies have test kits available but we are aware that some pharmacies are unable to immediately order test kits. Stock is being replenished to wholesalers on a daily basis with deliveries being made to pharmacies within a matter of days in order to meet demand.
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – should book a PCR test online or by calling 119.
Getting a rapid test is quick and convenient. Rapid tests are available through:
- Department of Health And Social Care
If you need help with your order. If you cannot use the online service to order and you're eligible for free NHS tests, you can call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm. 119 provides support in 200 languages. SignVideo is a free online British Sign Language interpreter service for 119.
If you have an old free NHS rapid lateral flow test, you can take it but you do not need to report the results. Find out more about COVID-19 symptoms, testing and vaccination and how to avoid ...
You can no longer order free rapid lateral flow or polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) tests from the NHS online. You may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests from your local pharmacy ...
