CVS Pharmacy Expands Flu Testing and Treatment Services to Improve Accessibility and Care
As flu cases continue to surge in communities across the United States, CVS Health has announced significant enhancements to its flu testing and treatment services. CVS Pharmacy® is introducing an expanded range of testing options and treatment capabilities at approximately 1,600 locations in select states. These efforts aim to provide better access to timely healthcare and ensure that patients receive comprehensive support during flu season.
Enhanced Flu Testing with New 3-in-1 Combo Test
To streamline the diagnostic process, participating CVS Pharmacy locations in 37 states now offer an advanced 3-in-1 combo test for patients presenting with flu-like symptoms. This single-swab test detects Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19, enabling healthcare providers to make more accurate and timely treatment decisions. By integrating this comprehensive testing method, CVS Pharmacy enhances the convenience and efficiency of diagnosing respiratory illnesses.
Streamlined Test and Treat Appointments
In addition to improved testing, CVS Pharmacy has simplified scheduling for test and treat appointments. Patients can now book appointments through the digital scheduler on CVS.com and the CVS Health app. This streamlined process ensures a seamless experience from testing to treatment, reducing wait times and improving access to essential care.
In states where regulations permit pharmacists to both test and treat for COVID-19 and flu, patients can undergo testing and, if necessary, receive an assessment for antiviral treatment within a single appointment. This initiative is available in multiple states, including California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Comprehensive and Convenient Healthcare Access
“Timely access to care and treatment is critical with illnesses like influenza and COVID-19,” said Jinali Desai, PharmD, MBA, MPH, Vice President of 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.”
To make care more accessible, a pharmacy-administered flu and COVID-19 test is priced at $29.99. Additionally, the pharmacist assessment fee is set at $45, regardless of whether medication is prescribed. Patients can use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) funds to cover this fee. The cost of prescribed medication will depend on the patient’s prescription insurance coverage.
At-Home Test Options for Flu and COVID-19
For those who prefer to test for flu or COVID-19 from the comfort of their home, CVS Pharmacy provides multiple at-home test options. These self-administered tests enable patients to detect illnesses without needing an in-person visit. The company offers three different combo test kits, available for purchase both online at CVS.com and at retail stores nationwide, with prices ranging between $12.99 and $24.99.
If a patient tests positive using an at-home test and requires treatment, they can request a pharmacist evaluation through CVS.com or the CVS Health app. A pharmacist will assess their condition and, if clinically appropriate, prescribe medication. CVS Health ensures that these pharmacist evaluations are available during evening and weekend hours to accommodate patients with busy schedules.
“Through our clinical pharmacy care offerings and extensive selection of over-the-counter wellness products, we can help people with all of their wellness needs,” Desai added. This holistic approach to healthcare underscores CVS Pharmacy’s commitment to providing comprehensive and convenient patient support.
Prescription Delivery for Added Convenience
Recognizing the importance of convenience, CVS Pharmacy offers multiple delivery options for eligible prescription medications. Customers and patients can choose from same-day delivery or 1-2-day delivery, allowing them to receive their prescriptions without the need for an additional trip to the pharmacy. This service is particularly beneficial for individuals who test positive for flu or COVID-19 and prefer to stay home to minimize the spread of illness.
Preventative Care: Immunizations to Reduce Illness Spread
One of the most effective ways to prevent the flu is through immunization. CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic® locations nationwide continue to offer both flu vaccines and the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Patients can visit a CVS Pharmacy location or a MinuteClinic for their immunizations, with the convenience of walk-in visits or appointments scheduled through the digital vaccine scheduler.
MinuteClinic also offers sick symptom visits, during which patients can receive testing for flu, COVID-19, and strep throat if they meet the eligibility criteria. This added service provides patients with access to multiple diagnostic tests in one convenient location.
Healthcare experts recommend that individuals aged six months and older receive the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines to ensure protection against the most prevalent virus variants circulating in the community. While the ideal time to get a flu shot is before the onset of winter, it is never too late to receive the vaccine.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Guidelines
For individuals aged 65 and older, the updated COVID-19 vaccine received in the fall of 2024 may require a second dose six months after the first. Similarly, people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second dose as well. This means that patients who received the updated COVID-19 vaccine in September or October 2024 would be eligible for another dose in March or April 2025.
A Holistic Approach to Patient Care
By expanding its flu testing and treatment offerings, CVS Pharmacy is reinforcing its role as a trusted healthcare provider. The company’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare solutions ensures that patients can receive the care they need when they need it most. Whether through in-person testing, at-home test options, immunizations, or convenient prescription delivery, CVS Health continues to make healthcare more accessible, convenient, and patient-focused.
As flu season progresses, CVS Pharmacy encourages individuals to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health. By staying informed about testing options, scheduling vaccinations, and utilizing digital health tools, patients can effectively manage their wellness and reduce the risk of spreading infectious illnesses in their communities.
