B.C. making antigen tests available at pharmacies for people over 30

British Columbia is making rapid antigen test kits for COVID available to people aged 30 and over through community pharmacies.

Eligible individuals can pick up one kit of five tests every 28 days from participating pharmacies at no cost. Individuals must present their personal health number when picking up the kit. If others are picking up kits on their behalf, in addition to the individual’s name and personal health number, date of birth must be supplied, the province said.

Individuals should pick up a test kit when not having symptoms of illness to use at a future time when having symptoms of illness. Guidelines for testing continue to indicate tests should be used for symptomatic individuals.

As of March 17, almost 7.6 million tests have been shipped to pharmacy distributors with more than 2.3 million rapid tests dispensed through the more than 1,300 participating pharmacies. Across all priority populations and pharmacies, more than 30.2 million tests have been distributed.

B.C. is expecting to receive more than 2.5 million tests from the federal government in the next few weeks, which will support the province’s strategy to distribute more tests to members of the broader community.