Coronavirus tests FAQ: Where to find them in Boston, which kind to get and more

COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts are up astronomically from the summer, when daily case counts dropped below 70 per day in late June. More than 13,700 cases were detected on Monday, Dec. 20. With infections rising, fueled by the recently detected omicron variant, many in the Bay State are scrambling to find tests to tell them if they have coronavirus.

So, what precautions can you take to minimize your risk of getting infected and prevent infecting others? Experts say to get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask and get tested.

Where can I get tested for COVID-19?

You can go to a testing site, or take a test in your own home.

At-home rapid tests can be found at drug stores, such as CVS or Walgreens, but many pharmacies’ rapid tests are in short supply. You can look up nearby pharmacies and give them a call to ask if they have any rapid tests in stock.

The state health department offers a lookup tool online to find your nearest testing site. You can also call your primary care doctor’s office for help finding a location.

If you live or work in Boston, the city also has a list of testing sites and offers assistance through the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050. If you live or work in Cambridge, check out the City of Cambridge’s website for information on testing sites.

If you’re a Massachusetts resident and meet certain criteria, you can also get a free COVID-19 test mailed to your home through Massachusetts’ partnership with LabCorp. Go to their website to learn more about the process.

Do I need to make an appointment for my COVID-19 test?

Some sites require appointments.

Walk-in and at-home testing options can be found at your local pharmacy or on the state’s website.

What kind of test should I get?

There are two groups of viral tests that detect active infections: molecular tests and rapid antigen tests.

Molecular tests, also known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), are more accurate in detecting infection. They can determine if a person without symptoms has COVID-19. These are the tests administered at most testing locations.

Rapid antigen tests are less sensitive and less specific than molecular tests, and are more likely to detect infections in people who have high viral loads and are experiencing symptoms. These are the tests you can buy at a pharmacy.

The state Department of Public Health recommends that you take a molecular test to confirm the result of a rapid test if you are experiencing symptoms and the rapid test result was negative, or if you received a positive result but are not experiencing symptoms or had a known exposure.

The CDC emphasizes that antibody tests, which show evidence of prior infection, should not be used to guide decisions on whether to stop isolating or participate in social activities that carry risk of exposure.

How much does a COVID test cost? Can I get one for free?

Your insurance will usually cover your COVID-19 test if you’re symptomatic or came into close contact with someone who tested positive, per the CDC.

There are also low-cost options at pharmacies and many free testing sites in Massachusetts.

Several testing sites in Boston are always free, including for people without insurance, such as the Anna M. Cole Community Center in Jamaica Plain and the Bowdoin Street Health Center in Dorchester. Check the state and Boston websites for more information.

Rapid tests at pharmacies often cost around $24 for a box of two of brands such as BinaxNOW and QuickVue, though some run more expensive. Many pharmacies, though, have been running out their supply. Walmart also sells the same BinaxNOW tests for $14 on their website.

Will my insurance cover the at-home test I bought at CVS?

Your insurance won’t reimburse you for these yet, but the Biden administration is rolling out a new initiative that would require private insurance to reimburse you for at-home rapid tests starting in mid January.

I was exposed to someone who tested positive. What should I do?

Being “exposed” to someone who tested positive means being in close contact with them: less than six feet apart for a cumulative 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. A few brief conversations over the course of the day might qualify.

If you’re unvaccinated, it’s recommended that you quarantine yourself for 14 days since you were last exposed, even staying away from people in your own household if you’re able. You may be able to test out of your quarantine after seven days if you take a test and return a negative result on day five or later — preferably a PCR test, which will usually be reimbursed by your insurance due to your exposure.

If you’re fully vaccinated, you do not have to quarantine, unless you’re experiencing symptoms. You should still get a COVID test five to seven days after the exposure.

If you’re working in person, make sure that your workplace doesn’t have any additional policies around COVID exposure before returning to work.

More guidance for vaccinated and unvaccinated people can be found on the CDC’s website.

Am I eligible for the booster shot?

If you are 16 or older, you are eligible for the booster shot in Massachusetts.

Wait six months until after your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two months after your dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

If you are 16 or 17, only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for your use.

No matter which company produced your original vaccine dose(s), you can get another company’s vaccine. For instance, if you got a two-dose Moderna regimen initially, you can get a Pfizer booster shot, or vice versa. Consult with your doctor if you want guidance on which vaccine to get.

I want to get my vaccine or booster shot. Where do I go?

You will likely need to make an appointment. Check out Massachusetts’ VaxFinder to look for slots in your area.

Bring your ID and, if you’ve previously gotten a shot, bring your vaccine card. After you’ve made your appointment, see if there’s anything else that your vaccine site asks you to bring.

Is the vaccine free?

The vaccine and booster shot are always free. You cannot be charged for receiving a COVID vaccine. The vaccine provider may ask for your insurance information for reimbursement, but it will be free either way.

You can get the COVID vaccine regardless of immigration status.