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WOONSOCKET, R.I. – With flu cases continuing to remain high in communities across the U.S., CVS Health has announced that CVS Pharmacy is enhancing its flu testing and treatment capabilities at about 1,600 locations in select states.
Participating CVS Pharmacy locations in 37 states have begun using a new 3-in-1 combo test when patients present with flu-like symptoms, allowing them to be tested for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 with one swab.
In addition, the company has streamlined scheduling for test and treat appointments through its digital scheduler on CVS.com and the CVS Health app. In states that allow pharmacists to both test and treat for COVID-19 and flu, patients may now be tested and assessed by a CVS pharmacist for antiviral treatment in one appointment. Participating states 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 pharmacy-administered flu and COVID-19 test costs $29.99. The pharmacist assessment will cost $45, regardless of whether medication is prescribed. Patients may use HSA or FSA funds to cover the assessment fee. Any cost or copay for a prescribed medication is dependent on the patient's prescription insurance coverage.
At-Home Test Options
CVS Pharmacy offers several at-home flu and COVID-19 test options as well, enabling patients to test for these illnesses in the comfort of their own home. Three different combo tests, priced at $12.99 and $24.99, are available for purchase 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 and, if clinically appropriate, may be prescribed a medication. Pharmacist evaluations are available during weekend and evening hours.
"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 help prevent the flu. Both the flu vaccine and 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 ages six months and older should receive the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine to restore and enhance protection against the most prevalent virus variants currently circulating. While the ideal time to receive a flu shot is before the winter months, it's not too late to get an updated dose.
In addition, people age 65 and older who received the updated COVID-19 vaccine in the fall of 2024 can receive a second dose six months after the first. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second dose as well. This means that patients who received an updated COVID-19 in September or October 2024 would be eligible for another dose in March or April 2025.
