CVS Pharmacy® introduces enhanced flu testing and treatment offerings

Rhea-AI Summary

CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) has expanded its flu testing and treatment services across select locations. The company has introduced a new 3-in-1 combo test for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 at approximately 1,600 locations in 37 states. In 13 states, pharmacists can both test and prescribe antiviral treatment in a single appointment.

The pharmacy-administered combo test costs $29.99, with an additional $45 pharmacist assessment fee. CVS also offers at-home combo test options priced between $12.99 and $24.99. The company provides various delivery options, including same-day and 1-2-day delivery for eligible prescriptions.

Additionally, CVS continues to offer flu and updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide. Patients 65 and older who received the updated COVID-19 vaccine in fall 2024 are eligible for a second dose after six months.

Positive

• Expansion of testing services to 1,600 locations across 37 states
• New revenue stream from combo testing ($29.99) and assessment fees ($45)
• Additional revenue potential from at-home test sales ($12.99-$24.99)
• Streamlined digital scheduling system implementation

Negative

• treatment authorization to only 13 states
• Service fees may not be fully covered by insurance

As flu cases continue to remain high, select CVS pharmacies across 37 states launch combo test for Flu A, Flu B and COVID-19

Pharmacists can also prescribe flu treatment for eligible patients in 13 states with positive test results helping ensure timely access to care

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With flu cases continuing to remain high in communities across the U.S., CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) today announced that CVS Pharmacy® has enhanced its flu testing and treatment capabilities at roughly 1,600 locations in select states.

Participating CVS Pharmacy locations in 37 states have begun using a new 3-in-1 combo test when patients present with flu-like symptoms, allowing them to be tested for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 with one swab.

In addition, the company has streamlined scheduling for test and treat appointments through its digital scheduler on CVS.com and the CVS Health app. In states that allow pharmacists to both test and treat for COVID-19 and flu, patients may now be tested and assessed by a CVS pharmacist for antiviral treatment in one appointment. Participating states include California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

"Timely access to care and treatment is critical with illnesses like influenza and COVID-19," said Jinali Desai, PharmD, MBA, MPH, Vice President, Pharmacy Health Services for CVS Health. "CVS Pharmacy's array of testing and treatment options allows us to be with our patients every step of the way. From immunizations to symptom evaluation to prescribing medications for those who are eligible, our trusted pharmacists offer convenient and accessible care when patients need us most."

A pharmacy-administered flu and COVID-19 test costs $29.99. The pharmacist assessment will cost $45, regardless of whether medication is prescribed. Patients may use HSA or FSA funds to cover the assessment fee. Any cost or copay for a prescribed medication is dependent on the patient's prescription insurance coverage.

At-Home Test Options

CVS Pharmacy offers several at-home flu and COVID-19 test options as well, enabling patients to test for these illnesses in the comfort of their own home. Three different combo tests, priced at $12.99 and $24.99, are available for purchase on CVS.com and at the company's retail stores nationwide.  

If a patient tests positive at-home and is seeking treatment, they can request a pharmacist evaluation via CVS.com or the CVS Health app and, if clinically appropriate, may be prescribed a medication. Pharmacist evaluations are available during weekend and evening hours. 

"Through our clinical pharmacy care offerings and extensive selection over-the-counter wellness products, we can help people with all of their wellness needs," added Desai.  

To make it even more convenient, CVS Pharmacy offers several delivery options for customers and patients with eligible prescriptions, including same-day delivery and 1-2-day delivery.

Help prevent illness with immunizations

Immunization is the most effective way to help prevent the flu. Both the flu vaccine and updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine are still available at CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® locations nationwide. MinuteClinic also offers sick symptom visits during which patients can be tested for flu, COVID-19, and strep throat, if eligible. Walk-ins are accepted at CVS Pharmacy and the company's digital vaccine scheduler reflects available appointments at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic.

Patients ages six months and older should receive the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine to restore and enhance protection against the most prevalent virus variants currently circulating. While the ideal time to receive a flu shot is before the winter months, it's not too late to get an updated dose. 

In addition, people age 65 and older who received the updated COVID-19 vaccine in the fall of 2024 can receive a second dose six months after the first. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a second dose as well. This means that patients who received an updated COVID-19 in September or October 2024 would be eligible for another dose in March or April 2025. 

Video and photo assets from CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic are available here.

About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues — including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health — whether that's managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications, or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system — and their personal health care — by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.

Media contact
Amy Thibault
401-318-2865
Amy.Thibault@CVSHealth.com

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SOURCE CVS Health

FAQ

How much does CVS charge for the new 3-in-1 flu and COVID test?

CVS charges $29.99 for the pharmacy-administered combo test, plus a $45 pharmacist assessment fee if treatment is needed.

In which states can CVS pharmacists both test and prescribe flu treatment?

CVS pharmacists can test and treat flu in 13 states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

What at-home testing options does CVS offer for flu and COVID-19?

CVS offers three different combo test options for at-home use, priced between $12.99 and $24.99, available online and in stores.

How many CVS locations offer the new 3-in-1 combo testing service?

The new 3-in-1 combo testing service is available at approximately 1,600 CVS Pharmacy locations across 37 states.