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WOONSOCKET, R.I. – As flu cases continue to be high in communities across the U.S., CVS Health has announced that CVS Pharmacy is enhancing its flu testing and treatment capabilities at approximately 1,600 locations in select states.
CVS Pharmacy locations in 37 states now use a new 3-in-1 combo test for patients presenting with flu-like symptoms. This test allows them to be screened for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 with a single swab.
Moreover, the company has simplified the scheduling of test and treatment appointments using its digital tools on CVS.com and the CVS Health app. In states where pharmacists can perform both COVID-19 and flu testing and treatment, patients can now receive testing and evaluation for antiviral medication from a CVS pharmacist in a single visit. States participating in this service include California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
"Timely access to care and treatment is critical with illnesses like influenza and COVID-19," said Jinali Desai, vice president, Pharmacy Health Services for CVS Health. "CVS Pharmacy's array of testing and treatment options allows us to be with our patients every step of the way. From immunizations to symptom evaluation to prescribing medications for those who are eligible, our trusted pharmacists offer convenient and accessible care when patients need us most," he added.
A flu and COVID-19 test administered by a pharmacy is priced at $29.99. The pharmacist's assessment carries a flat fee of $45, irrespective of medication prescriptions. Patients can utilize HSA or FSA funds to pay for the assessment. Costs or copays for prescribed medications vary based on the patient's prescription insurance coverage.
At-Home Test Options
CVS Pharmacy also offers several at-home flu and COVID-19 test options, enabling patients to test for these illnesses in the comfort of their own homes. Three combo tests, priced at $12.99 and $24.99, are available on CVS.com and at the company's retail stores nationwide.
If a patient tests positive at home and is seeking treatment, they can request a pharmacist evaluation via CVS.com or the CVS Health app. If clinically appropriate, the pharmacist may prescribe medication. Pharmacist evaluations are available on weekends and in the evenings.
"Through our clinical pharmacy care offerings and extensive selection over-the-counter wellness products, we can help people with all of their wellness needs," added Desai.
To make it even more convenient, CVS Pharmacy offers several delivery options for customers and patients with eligible prescriptions, including same-day delivery and 1-2-day delivery.
Help prevent illness with immunizations
Immunization is the most effective way to prevent the flu. Both the flu vaccine and the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine are still available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide. MinuteClinic also offers sick-symptom visits during which patients can be tested for flu, COVID-19, and strep throat, if eligible. Walk-ins are accepted at CVS Pharmacy, and the company's digital vaccine scheduler reflects available appointments at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic.
Patients aged six months and older should receive the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines to restore and enhance protection against the most prevalent virus variants currently in circulation. While the best time to get a flu shot is before winter, receiving an updated dose is not too late.
Additionally, individuals aged 65 and above who got the updated COVID-19 vaccine in fall 2024 can get a second dose six months after their first. Those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised can also receive a second dose. Consequently, patients vaccinated with the updated COVID-19 vaccine in September or October 2024 would be eligible for their next dose in March or April 2025.
