Who can get a rapid antigen test?
The Ontario Ministry of Health announced that, effective October 1, 2024, publicly funded rapid antigen tests (RATs) will only be available to individuals who are eligible for COVID-19 treatment. Public Health will no longer stock or distribute RATs. Publicly funded rapid antigen test kits may be available to eligible individuals through pharmacy and primary care providers. Eligible individuals include people who have COVID-19 symptoms and belong to any of the following groups:
- people aged 65 years of age and older
- people aged 18 years of age and older who have at least one condition that puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease
- people who are immunocompromised
- residents and patients in certain high-risk settings including hospitals and congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals (for example, in long-term care and other specific populations and settings)
- people in the context of suspected or confirmed outbreaks, as directed by the public health
If you meet the above criteria, contact your primary healthcare provider or pharmacy to coordinate testing.