More Available at Sites on Friday and Again Before New Years, State allocating 96,000 tests in lead up to the holidays
Vermont Business Magazine Most testing sites have already distributed all the antigen take-home test kits that were available today. Additional tests will be available tomorrow, December 24 at the Agency of Transportation sites (SEE LIST BELOW). Two test kits per car (or walk-in) will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. People should plan in advance for high demand and wait times. Locations and updated information about availability can be found at healthvermont.gov/testing.
Approximately 30,000 tests will have been distributed to Vermonters today. In recognition of the high demand for testing in advance of the holidays, the state has increased the number of rapid antigen tests available to 96,000 tests. These kits are distributed through sites around Vermont and in coordination with community partners. In addition to the thousands of PCR tests administered each day, the state is also making available 10,000 rapid LAMP tests.
The Scott Administration is continuing work to acquire more rapid antigen tests for broad distribution, but like other states, we are constrained by the realities of the supply at the federal level. President Biden announced this week it will distribute a half-billion of these tests around the country in January. In the meantime, Vermont will continue to get as many tests as possible into the hands of Vermonters, as fast as possible.
The Vermont Department of Health also provided the following responses to Frequently Asked Questions involving the take-home tests:
Number of take-home antigen tests and if the LAMP tests are a part of the totals?
Today’s 30,000 tests include the LAMP appointments. In rough terms, 25k of the 30k that will have been distributed today were take-home antigen tests. In total current allocation, that is 25k out of the total 96k antigen to be distributed between now and New Years.
How were the tests allocated?
The kits were distributed to public testing sites based on review of the number of walk-ins and a review of data to anticipate utilization. As noted in the press release, allocation to sites was constrained based on supply available.
The AOT sites were equally supplied and resupplied best we could based on the noted supply constraints. All BinaxNOW over the counter antigen tests are now allocated.
From vaccinations, to boosters to testing, the overwhelming response of Vermonters to our call for being as protected as possible is heartening. We recognize the frustration people who are looking today for tests may have, which is why we are making available as many tests as possible between now and New Years. We hope that everyone – tested or not – follow all the recommended steps to help prevent spread of the virus so they can have a safe and enjoyable holiday and New Year.
We thank everyone for recognizing the value of these rapid tests in protecting themselves and their loved ones, and especially those most at risk of serious illness.
Please continue to check healthvermont.gov/testing for updates and to report your test results.
Antigen Take-Home Tests
Vermonters can pick up a free antigen test on December 23, 24, 28, 29, and 30 at sites across the state. There is no registration for these tests. The tests will be handed out to people who walk in on a first-come, first-served basis. Each kit contains two tests. There is a limit of two kits per household.
Read more about antigen tests
Source: BURLINGTON, VT –Vermont Department of Health 12.23.2021