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COVID Testing & Rapid Testing
in Vermont

COVID Test
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50 instant-book locations

145 Pine Haven Shores, Shelburne, VT 05482145 Pine Haven Shores
Open until10:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Sat 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Sun 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
HelixVM, Vermont Virtual - 145 Pine Haven Shores
PCR Test
Time to results unknown
Antigen Test
Time to results unknown
Call now

35 Church St, Burlington, VT 0540135 Church St
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 35 Church St
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1 S Prospect St, Burlington, VT 054011 S Prospect St
Open until 6:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
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1 S Prospect St, Burlington, VT 054011 S Prospect St
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • FriClosed
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
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111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401111 Colchester Ave
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111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401111 Colchester Ave
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111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401111 Colchester Ave
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
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308 Shelburne Rd, Burlington, VT 05401308 Shelburne Rd
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

1 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT 054031 Dorset St
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 am
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 1 Dorset St
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514 Farrell St, Burlington, VT 05401514 Farrell St
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
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Self-pay pricing

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Clear self-pay prices

No more surprise bills. Solv is committed to making getting healthcare as easy as buying groceries at the store, including knowing the price of care upfront.

PCR Test
Time to results unknown
$129
Visit Clinic

1200 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 054031200 Williston Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
2.24(17 reviews)
Bill Icon

Self-pay pricing

Solv ClearPrice™
Clear self-pay prices

No more surprise bills. Solv is committed to making getting healthcare as easy as buying groceries at the store, including knowing the price of care upfront.

PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
$139
Antigen Test
Rapid
Results in < 1 hour
$214
Visit Clinic

1200 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 054031200 Williston Rd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
2.5(6 reviews)
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368 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT 05403368 Dorset St
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1024 North Ave, Burlington, VT 054081024 North Ave
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Visit Clinic

57 Fayette Dr, South Burlington, VT 0540357 Fayette Dr
Open until 4:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
Concentra Urgent Care, Burlington - 57 Fayette Dr
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69 Mountain View Dr, Colchester, VT 0544669 Mountain View Dr
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 am
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 69 Mountain View Dr
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354 Mountain View Dr, Colchester, VT 05446354 Mountain View Dr
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1653 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 054031653 Williston Rd
View hours of operation
  • MonClosed
  • TueClosed
  • WedClosed
  • ThuClosed
  • Fri11:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

150 Kennedy Dr, Burlington, VT 05403150 Kennedy Dr
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
4.1(10 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

Staff was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. I like that they had Covid rules in place to protect both patients and staff. They were able to see me same day and their rates were more affordable without insurance than the last Urgent Care I went to which was in CT.
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790 College Pkwy, Colchester, VT 05446790 College Pkwy
Open until 4:30 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

790 College Pkwy, Colchester, VT 05446790 College Pkwy
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Visit Clinic

2450 Batesville Blvd., South Burlington, VT 054032450 Batesville Blvd.
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

9 Susie Wilson Rd, Essex, VT 054529 Susie Wilson Rd
Open until 5:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SatUnknown
  • SunUnknown
Visit Clinic

82 Pearl St, Essex, VT 0545282 Pearl St
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

47 Executive Dr, Shelburne, VT 0548247 Executive Dr
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
This clinic has shorter than average waiting periods

Short Wait Time

PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
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863 Harvest Ln, Williston, VT 05495863 Harvest Ln
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Visit Clinic

49 Wright Ave, Williston, VT 0549549 Wright Ave
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 49 Wright Ave
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62 Merchants Row, Williston, VT 0549562 Merchants Row
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7 Essex Way, Essex Junction, VT 054527 Essex Way
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 7 Essex Way
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10212 Rte 116, Hinesburg, VT 0546110212 Rte 116
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Visit Clinic

28 Centre Dr, Milton, VT 0546828 Centre Dr
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927 Ethan Allen Hwy, Georgia, VT 05468927 Ethan Allen Hwy
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • SunClosed
3.0(2 reviews)
This clinic is rated highly in reviews for their friendly staff

Friendly Staff

Everyone was friendly and welcoming. My wait time was less than 15 minutes. I would definitely go there again. Got the care and treatment I needed. I was deeply satisfied.
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101 Broad St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901101 Broad St
Open until 4:30 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • SatUnknown
  • SunUnknown
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28 Montcalm Ave, Plattsburgh, NY 1290128 Montcalm Ave
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • SunUnknown
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301 Cornelia St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901301 Cornelia St
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75 Beekman St, Plattsburgh, NY 1290175 Beekman St
Open until 2:00 pm
  • Mon 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Good evening. My parents are coming down to visit me and they are from Canada. They both have the 2 vaccines and the booster shot. The COVID-19 rapid antigen test is now accepted, but it must be authorized by the country in which it was purchased and must be administered by a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service. Does your facility allow Canadian citizens to take the COVID-19 rapid antigen test and if so, do I need to make an appointment for my parents, and/or do you allow walk-ins for this test? Thank you for your time!
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25 Consumer Square, Plattsburgh, NY 1290125 Consumer Square
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474 State Rte 3, Plattsburgh, NY 12901474 State Rte 3
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
WellNow Urgent Care, Plattsburgh - 474 State Rte 3
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60 Smithfield Blvd, Plattsburgh, NY 1290160 Smithfield Blvd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tue 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Visit Clinic

87 Plaza Blvd, Plattsburgh, NY 1290187 Plaza Blvd
Open until 8:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sat 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • SunUnknown
Visit Clinic

16 DeGrandpre Way, Plattsburgh, NY 1290116 DeGrandpre Way
Labcorp - 16 DeGrandpre Way
Bill Icon

Self-pay pricing

Solv ClearPrice™
Clear self-pay prices

No more surprise bills. Solv is committed to making getting healthcare as easy as buying groceries at the store, including knowing the price of care upfront.

PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
$119
Visit Clinic

675 NY-3, Plattsburgh, NY 12901675 NY-3
Open until 3:00 pm
  • Mon 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • Tue 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • Wed 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • Thu 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • Fri 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
Visit Clinic

7426 NY-9N, Westport, NY 129937426 NY-9N
Open until 4:30 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • SatUnknown
  • SunUnknown
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133 Fairfield St, Saint Albans City, VT 05478133 Fairfield St
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164 Swanton Rd, Saint Albans City, VT 05478164 Swanton Rd
Open until 8:30 pm
  • Mon 7:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Tue 7:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Wed 7:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Thu 7:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Fri 7:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Sat 7:30 am - 8:30 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic

700 Tuckers Wy, Saint Albans City, VT 05478700 Tuckers Wy
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sun10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Visit Clinic

75 Park St, Elizabethtown, NY 1293275 Park St
Open until 4:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • SatClosed
  • SunClosed
Visit Clinic

13 Vermont Rte 100, Hyde Park, VT 0565513 Vermont Rte 100
Open until 7:00 pm
  • Mon 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tue 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wed 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thu 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Fri 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sat10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sun11:00 am - 5:00 pm
CVS Pharmacy - 13 Vermont Rte 100
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97 Morrisville Plaza, Morristown, VT 0566197 Morrisville Plaza
Open until 9:00 pm
  • Mon 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Tue 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Wed 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Thu 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Fri 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sat 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
PCR Test
Results in 1-3 days
Visit Clinic
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COVID-19 Testing FAQs

  • How much does COVID testing cost?

    COVID testing can be free in many circumstances. As part of their response to the epidemic, many Vermont health departments continue to provide free testing to community citizens. In some situations, commercially insured patients, as well as those on Medicare or Medicaid, may be able to get testing for free or for a small office visit fee. COVID tests can cost anything from $50 to $150 each test for cash-paying individuals or those who require speedy answers in under an hour. It's best to call your doctor before getting tested so you can get a better idea of how much the test will cost.

  • Where can I get free COVID testing?

    The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which covers testing for people without health insurance, makes COVID testing free nationwide. Check with your local Vermont health department for details since they are usually an excellent source of free COVID tests, or can at least lead you in the proper way. You can also ask your health care practitioner for a recommendation for a free COVID test location.

  • Where can I get COVID testing in Vermont?

    COVID testing is available at many outlets near Vermont including urgent care centers, retail clinics, primary care offices, health departments, and more. Different venues will have different types of tests available, many at different price points. Some testing sites are allowing walk-in patients, however, many are still requiring some degree of advance booking to control patient volume.

  • Where can I get a rapid COVID test in Vermont?

    Rapid testing—both PCR (molecular) and antigen tests—is offered through many Vermont-area urgent care centers and physician offices, usually at an additional cost ranging from $50 up to $150 per test. Usually this will allow you to get results back in under an hour, and require advanced booking through the provider. However, if you can wait 24 hours for your results, many labs are turning around send-out lab tests in that time frame, which could save you some money.

  • How to make an appointment for COVID testing in Vermont?

    Same-day and next day appointments for COVID testing in Vermont are bookable directly through Solv. Simply browse the list of healthcare providers conducting COVID tests above, find one with a “Book Online” button, and book a time that aligns with your schedule stating “COVID-19 Test” as your reason for visit.

  • Can I get tested for antibodies if I am sick with COVID-19?

    An antibody test for COVID-19 might inform you if you previously had a coronavirus infection. Because it can take between 1–3 weeks after an infection for your body to develop these antibodies, an antibody test during an active infection would not be successful. To see if you are currently infected, you need a viral test.

  • Do I need a COVID test if I have been vaccinated?

    Even if you have been fully vaccinated, scientists feel you should be checked if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, especially if you are suffering cold or flu symptoms that are usually associated with the coronavirus.

  • How long does COVID testing take?

    A COVID test is quick. A nasal swab is used for the majority of tests, and it takes less than a minute to swab both nostrils. This means you might be in and out of the testing center in as little as 10-15 minutes, depending on where you obtain your COVID test. Testing sites may be busier than usual during popular seasons, especially around holidays, and wait times may be higher.

  • How long does it take to get COVID test results?

    Most labs are sending out COVID test results via molecular (PCR) within 24-48 hours of the test. Some sites take longer, so call and ask if the reason for the test is proof for travel. Rapid tests are processed on-site and can provide findings in less than an hour, sometimes as quickly as 15 minutes.

  • Do COVID tests detect the Delta variant and Omicron variant?

    Regular COVID tests are able to detect both the Delta variant and Omicron variant in that they can determine whether or not you have the coronavirus. However, they can't tell which variation is involved. That would necessitate genomic sequencing, which is a different process from regular virus testing that not all labs can undertake. Sequencing is uncommon and can cost up to $100 per test. Since the treatment is the same for any variant, it is not clinically useful to an individual patient to know whether the infection was caused by a variant or not.

About COVID Testing

Types of COVID Tests

There are two types of coronavirus tests (COVID-19 tests) available, those that can test for a current infection (viral test) and those that can test for a past infection (antibody test).

Viral COVID testing can be done in a few different ways, the most common being nose swabs, but saliva tests are becoming more popular. Some tests are processed out on-site and can provide results in as little as 30 minutes. These are called rapid COVID tests. The majority of tests, on the other hand, are collected at the clinic on-site and then submitted to off-site labs for processing. Results can take up to 2-3 days to arrive. 

Antibody testing looks for a past infection and may not reveal if you have an active COVID-19 infection because antibodies can take up to three weeks to form in your body. The presence of COVID antibodies may help to prevent you from becoming infected with the same virus again; but, because the clinical understanding of COVID-19 is still developing, it's unclear how long that protection will continue.

Who should get tested for current infection

The CDC currently defines four instances where COVID testing is recommended:

  1. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
  2. If you have been in close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. If you have been vaccinated, or tested positive in the past 3 months and not experiencing symptoms, you do not need to be tested.
  3. If you are unvaccinated and participated in high-risk activities where distancing is not an option. This could include travel, large social or mass gatherings, crowded indoor settings, etc.
  4. If you have been referred to get a COVID test by your healthcare provider or local health department. 

How is testing done for COVID-19?

Most COVID tests are collected by a nasal swab. A member of the medical team puts a swab inside your nose for a few seconds on each side to collect the sample. After that, the samples are packaged according to CDC guidelines and tested on-site or transported to a facility for testing. The lab will test samples for the presence of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID infection and either your care provider or the lab will notify you with the results as soon as they are available.

Molecular vs Antigen Tests

Viral COVID tests are available as molecular and antigen tests. The molecular test, also known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, usually delivers results within a few days since most of these tests are sent to offsite labs for analysis. The average turnaround time for PCR test results is 48 hours, but in some instances may be significantly longer due to backlogs related to insufficient lab volume and capacity. Antigen tests are also known as rapid tests and have an average turnaround time of between 15 to 30 minutes.

Both PCR and rapid COVID tests can be used to test people exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, those who were close contacts to COVID-19, and those without COVID-19 symptoms who live or work in a high-risk setting (such as a nursing facility); or those individuals who are identified as part of outbreak detection and response. The rapid COVID test is also recommended for the screening of residents or healthcare workers at skilled nursing facilities along with a PCR confirmation, and for repeat screening for the early detection and prevention of outbreaks in congregate settings (such as schools, workplaces, and prisons).

COVID testing is available for free under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes testing for those without health insurance. To reduce the risk of facing extra costs related to COVID testing, ask your primary care doctor to recommend a free COVID test site, and confirm there are no charges or fees for the test that are not covered by your insurance plan. Additionally, avoid getting a COVID test at a hospital or free-standing emergency room, as these facilities may charge fees for COVID testing and related services.

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