Experts recommend getting a COVID-19 booster shot and requesting free testing from the government as cases rise in the Philadelphia area

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — From September 26th you can order free COVID tests from the government again.

According to our data reporter, COVID levels in the South Jersey tri-state area are very high and continuing to rise. Therefore, health experts recommend that we once again protect ourselves and our community by receiving the booster vaccination and testing to reduce the spread and severity.

“Every other person that comes in has either had the disease or knows someone who has had the disease,” said Nick Bonanni of Parkway Pharmacy.

The booster for the new COVID variant is available and health experts say the time to get it is now, or at least in the next few weeks.

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“Because it takes a few weeks until all soldiers are ready for deployment,” said Bonanni.

Major chains as well as independent pharmacies such as Parkway Pharmacy are offering both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

“We have plenty of inventory and there have been no problems,” Bonanni said.

But many Americans aren't rolling up their sleeves. In Philadelphia, data shows that fewer than 25% of residents have received the latest booster shot.

“Many people have lost their guard,” said Dr. Ron Goren. “You're no longer getting the booster.” “You should get the booster shot because that reduces the chance of you getting it initially, it reduces the risk of getting very sick and there's very good data showing that people Not having COVID for a long time, which is a real problem for a lot of people, was a really devastating disease.”

If you've just had COVID, health experts recommend waiting three months to get a booster shot.

But Dr. Goren said it's OK to get vaccinated against Covid, flu and RSV at the same time.

“There's no risk of getting a sore arm from all this, but that's nothing to worry about,” he said.

The government is also now offering free COVID tests again.

The Food and Drug Administration estimates that home tests detect the virus at least 80% of the time and the kits detect the latest variants. And be aware: The FDA has also extended expiration dates for many home tests. Therefore, compare the batch number with the FDA list.

To receive the free COVID test, you can call 1-800-232-0233 or fill out a short form online at COVIDtests.gov.

If you need additional free testing, contact your school, library and local health department. Some private health insurance companies also cover the costs.