Don’t Miss Out on Free RAT Tests – Protect Your Whānau!

Kia ora whānau! As we continue to navigate the impacts of COVID-19, it’s important to stay vigilant and protect not only ourselves but also our loved ones. Health New Zealand has an important update for all of us—until the 30th of September 2024, you can still collect free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) from participating pharmacies and collection sites around the motu (country). However, from the 1st of October, you’ll need to purchase these tests from pharmacies and retail stores like supermarkets.

Why Should You Pick Up Free RATs?

Testing remains one of the best ways to keep ourselves and our communities safe. Even though RATs will soon need to be purchased, it’s still highly recommended to use them if you have COVID-19 symptoms. If you test positive, make sure to isolate for at least 5 days, even if you only have mild symptoms. This is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus to others.

For those who meet Pharmac's eligibility criteria for COVID-19 antiviral treatment, RAT testing is still a key way to access the medicine that can help reduce the severity of the virus. If you or someone in your whānau qualifies, make sure to stock up on free RATs before the end of September.

Where Can You Pick Up RATs?

Head over to your local pharmacy or check out the participating RAT collection sites listed on Healthpoint. The RATs available for collection have a long shelf life, ranging from December 2025 to May 2027, so even if you don’t use them straight away, they’ll be good to have on hand in case you need them later.

Ngā Mihi ki te Hapori – Stay Connected and Vaccinated

It’s also important to remember that being up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations is still one of the best ways to protect yourself from severe illness, hospitalisation, or even death. You can easily book your vaccinations online through bookmyvaccine.health.nz for yourself or your whānau.

COVID-19 has taught us the importance of protecting our hāpori (community), and these small actions—getting tested, staying isolated when necessary, and getting vaccinated—are key ways to do just that.

Quick Summary:

• Free RATs until 30th September 2024 – pick them up from local pharmacies or RAT collection sites.

• From 1st October 2024, RATs will need to be purchased from pharmacies and retail stores.

• Testing is still recommended, and isolation for 5 days is essential if you test positive.

• Stock up on RATs now if you qualify for COVID-19 antiviral treatment.

• Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations to protect yourself and your whānau.

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For more information and guidance, head to Health NZ.

Let’s protect each other and our communities—kia haumaru, kia ora!

#WhānauWellbeing #COVID19Testing #FreeRATs #StayConnected #ProtectYourWhānau