Who should be tested for COVID-19?

You should immediately get tested for COVID-19 if you are feeling any symptoms - regardless of your vaccination status. COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a common cold (including just "the sniffles"), seasonal allergies, or flu.

  • If you've been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, get tested right away. If you test negative, retest 5 to 7 days after your exposure date. Those who are unvaccinated should also test before and 3 to 5 days after any high-risk events.
  • If you were fully vaccinated when exposed, you should get tested 3 to 5 days after close contact with someone who has recently tested positive.
  • If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 3 months and have had no new symptoms since your recent exposure, you do not need to get tested.
  • Traveling? Read CDC's travel fact sheet (PDF).

Show All Answers

1. Who should be tested for COVID-19?
2. What is contact tracing?
3. What to do if you receive a positive COVID-19 test result?
4. When will I receive my test results?
5. Where can I get tested?
6. If I test positive for COVID-19, will I be contacted by Public Health?
7. Why is the CDC’s 2019 Real Time PCR Test being retired?