Walgreens offering flu, COVID-19 testing in single visit at over 5,000 locations
Walgreens is now offering rapid flu testing at more than 5,000 pharmacies nationwide to help communities identify and manage the highly transmissible viruses circulating this holiday season.
Walgreens will use Abbott’s ID NOW devices to administer the tests, and results will be available within two hours, the company said.
“Our Flu Index shows activity 10 times higher compared to the same time last year," said Anita Patel, vice president of pharmacy services development at Walgreens. "Providing convenient access to flu testing is another way Walgreens is helping support and protect local communities during a sustained surge of respiratory illness this winter.”
Individuals can receive COVID-19 and flu testing in a single visit at select Walgreens pharmacies. Accessible and convenient rapid diagnostic testing for routine illness at community pharmacies is a service Americans have come to depend on since the start of the pandemic. A J.D. Power survey found that pharmacy customers are interested in receiving routine healthcare services from their pharmacy, including lab tests.
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“Opening and scaling the first drive-thru COVID-19 testing locations, as well as offering over-the-counter tests, has given our team insights into the health and wellness needs in communities across America,” Patel said. “We’re pleased to be working with Abbott and using their ID NOW rapid molecular tests to accelerate our efforts and provide access to quick and accurate viral testing.”
“Having fast and reliable testing gives people the confidence to know what virus they may have and the ability to quickly take the necessary steps to be on their way to recovery,” said Lou Morrone, senior vice president, rapid diagnostics at Abbott. “By making our ID NOW COVID and flu rapid molecular tests available at select Walgreens locations across the United States, testing will be more accessible to more people and families as we gather during the holiday season.”
Individuals can visit here or schedule via the Walgreens app where COVID-19 and flu testing locations can be chosen from the list of stores with availability of these services.
When scheduling a rapid COVID-19 test, patients are required to enter their information and complete a quick questionnaire, prior to adding a flu test and finalizing appointment details.
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Testing services are available at no cost for symptomatic individuals based on their insurance plan. Individuals can contact their insurer before scheduling to confirm the test meets coverage criteria.
At the time of the appointment, individuals will meet with a Walgreens pharmacist to receive one swab for a COVID-19 test and then one swab for a flu test.
After the appointment, individuals will receive an email with a secure link to their results, which will be reported separately, within two hours.
If an individual tests positive, a Walgreens pharmacist can reach out to their provider for a prescription or refer them to a primary care physician if they do not have one.
Individuals can order no-cost, at-home COVID-19 tests here for pickup at the pharmacy or bring insurance information to a local pharmacist for assistance. Select insurance companies and health plans may cover the cost of up to eight at-home COVID tests per individual per month.
24-hour same day delivery is available for last-minute needs like groceries, over-the-counter medications, personal care items, household essentials, along with same-day prescription delivery after filling an eligible prescription, including free delivery of Paxlovid (a COVID-19 oral antiviral therapy) directly to the doorsteps of those who need it.
Convenient COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are available for ages 3 and up. Neighborhood locations and appointments are designed to fit family schedules, including evenings and weekends.