Rapid COVID-19 testing still available, and encouraged, at local pharmacies

Idaho residents are encouraged to continue to get tested for COVID-19 at some community pharmacies. People can get two different types of nasal swab tests at these pharmacies. The first is a rapid antigen test. These tests are dependable, easy to use, and give results in 15 minutes.

The other test will be processed at a lab. Patients will get their results from these tests online after approximately three days.

The state guidelines for whom and when the rapid antigen test is appropriate have changed. You are eligible to get a rapid antigen test if you:

• have had COVID-19 symptoms for seven days and your healthcare provider suspects you have the condition
• live in an area where the turnaround time for a lab test is more than 48 hours and there is a known high level of COVID-19 in the community
• have had contact with a COVID-19 positive patient and don’t have any symptoms and have isolated at home for at least seven days
• need to be tested every two to four days as part of an infection control program and need results within 48 hours

The pharmacist will help everyone else get a nasal swab test that will be sent to a lab. The pharmacist may also recommend you get the nasal swab test to make sure the rapid antigen tests results are right.

Some pharmacies may be able to offer free testing. The lab may bill people who have not met their insurance deductible for the cost of the lab (~$130).

The pharmacists in the program help people keep track of their medications, connect to their doctors, and stay healthy. They will help patients decide what to do about their COVID-19 diagnosis and what to expect next.

This program was funded by a state grant through the Idaho Board of Pharmacy. 

Participating community pharmacies include: