NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md.  –   *12/27/2022 UPDATE: The clinic is currently providing the BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Home Tests, which are authorized for use by people age 2 and older (for children, the test must be administered by an adult) and provide results in 15 minutes.*

*12/7/2022 UPDATE: Due to low supply, the clinic is temporarily limiting tests to two per military ID holder (one InteliSwab kit with two tests inside). Additional tests kits have been ordered.*

Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River is giving out free at-home COVID test kits to help the Pax River community prepare for the holiday season.

Active duty service members and beneficiaries can pick up four free tests by presenting their military ID at Medical Home Port or the Military Readiness Clinic located inside Naval Health Clinic (NHC) Patuxent River. The clinic is at Building 1370 at 47149 Buse Road across from Subway.

The tests are available at Medical Home Port and the Military Readiness Clinic Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. They are also available on weekdays from 4-6 p.m. through the Command Duty Officer located at the Quarterdeck. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking a COVID test before attending an indoor gathering, if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Symptoms can include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

At-home tests are a convenient alternative to in-person testing. Free home testing kits are also available through the St. Mary's County Health Department at the Health Hub at 21625 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park and the testing tent at 21580 Peabody St. in Leonardtown. For additional information, visit smchd.org.

NHC Patuxent River is prepared for the holiday season with a stock of home testing kits. While supplies last, each beneficiary will receive two InteliSwab kits, which have two nasal swab tests inside. The tests are for people age 15 and older and provide results in just 30 minutes. Per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tests are good for up to one year after their expiration date.

"This holiday season, in addition to providing COVID vaccines and boosters, we are proud to offer free at-home test kits to our beneficiaries so that they have an easy way to get tested from the convenience of their own home," said Capt. Jeremy Hawker, commanding officer of Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River. "This is part of our ongoing mission to ensure the health of our community and the readiness of our warfighters."

Information on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters available at NHC Pax River is available at paxriver.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Preventive-Care/Immunizations/COVID-19-Vaccine-Availability.

For up-to-date testing guidance and recommendations, visit cdc.gov.