COVID vaccines, tests now available: How well matched are they to current strains?

DENVER (KDVR) — At the end of September, the government will once again start offering free at-home COVID tests.

Dr. Thomas Campbell, an infectious disease doctor and professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, says the at-home tests have not changed as the variants have changed, but are still effective.

“The test may not detect some strains quite as well, but overall, they still work well enough,” Campbell said.

However, if the tests have been in a drawer for two years and are past their expiration date, he says to discard them.

“That’s because the agents that are in the test have a shelf life and can expire, and we just don’t know how well they work beyond that expiration date,” he said.

Sue Kaye, a grandmother, wants to protect herself, and said she will be getting “every shot.”

“It’s still around and we know people that keep getting it too,” said Kaye.

Residents can request four free tests at COVIDtests.gov at the end of September. Updated COVID vaccines will also be available. Campbell said production began a few months ago.

“I expect that the vaccine will cover what we are currently dealing with very well. What we don’t know is, what we will be dealing with six months from now, and so we can’t say for sure how protective they will be at that time,” he said.

In years past, the fall COVID season peaked in late November, so Campbell recommends getting the booster in September or October.

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