Walgreens expands coronavirus testing to children

DEERFIELD - As part of Walgreens' ongoing efforts to increase access to COVID-19 testing in communities across the U.S., the company announced its testing sites are now available for those age 3 and older. Previously, testing has been available to those age 18 and older.

"We're continuing to expand our COVID-19 testing program to improve access in the communities we serve, and this will help to address the growing need for testing for children and adolescents," said Rick Gates, senior vice president of pharmacy, Walgreens. "As more health departments and school administrators continue efforts to bring students back to classrooms in a safe and thoughtful manner, and to help parents and guardians seeking access to testing when warranted for their children, we're proud to be a community testing resource for individuals and families - including those age 3 and over."

Parents and guardians can follow the steps atWalgreens.com/COVID19Testing to schedule a testing appointment and will be required to provide electronic consent as well as accompany any minor to the testing location. At testing sites, Walgreens pharmacy team will provide instruction to the parent on how to administer the COVID-19 test to a child. Adolescents may self-administer the COVID-19 test if desired.

Testing is available at no cost to individuals who meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established criteria.