Free, at-home COVID-19 tests available to schools

10/15/2024

Virus prevention resources to keep students healthy

The U.S. Department of Education is partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to offer free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests to interested districts and schools to help keep students healthy and in school. There are many practical uses for the tests, such as stocking a school nurse’s office, sending test kits home with students, or distributing within school communities.

Information on obtaining the free COVID-19 tests are available on the U.S. Department of Education’s COVID-19 Resources for Schools, Students, and Families webpage.

Preventing virus spread

Be sure to review the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for preventing the spread of viruses a resource on Preventing Spread of Infections in K-12 Schools. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for all, with the exception of those younger than six months of age. More details on vaccine recommendations can be found at vaccines.gov.

Districts and schools are encouraged to share resources with parents on how to keep kids healthy and in school so they benefit from in-person instruction and supportive relationships from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Attendance Works and the National Association of School Nurses, and other organizations.