HSE reminds public that there is no charge for a PCR test

HSE Community Testing Centres continue to accept referrals including those booked via the Self-Referral Portal and there is no charge for a PCR test undertaken by the HSE.

There are 2 types of free COVID-19 tests available from the HSE:

·        antigen tests (home test kits)

·        PCR tests (done at a test centre and sent to a lab)

You can get a PCR test if you have symptoms and you:

·        are age 55 or older and have not had a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose

·        have a high-risk medical condition

·        have a weak immune system (immunocompromised)

·        live in the same household as a person who has a weak immune system or provide support or care for them

·        are pregnant

·        are a healthcare worker

You do not need a test if you are:

·        under 55 years of age with symptoms of COVID-19 and you are otherwise healthy

·        age 55 or older and you are fully boosted, even if you have symptoms of COVID 19

If you have a positive antigen test, you can book a PCR test if you need a COVID-19 Recovery Cert.

 If you are a healthcare worker and you are a household close contact, you can get antigen tests if you:

·        do not have symptoms of COVID-19

·        have not had COVID-19 in the past 3 months

If you are a healthcare worker and you have symptoms of COVID-19, get a PCR test.

Antigen tests are not recommended for children under the age of 4.

You can also get HSE antigen tests if you have symptoms and you need to make a social welfare claim if you are off work because of COVID-19.

You cannot use a HSE COVID-19 test result for international travel from Ireland. A private testing company can give you the letter you need to travel.

Government advice on international travel

If you are a close contact of a person that tests positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus), you should:

·        watch out for symptoms of COVID-19

·        take extra care to follow the advice on protecting others from COVID-19, in case you have the virus

·        If you are at very high risk or high risk of serious illness from COVID-19, you should take extra care to watch out for symptoms. For example, if you have a weak immune system. If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, get a PCR test as soon as possible.

Acting Head of Primary Care Mandy Doyle said: “COVID-19 is still around. People should continue to practise good hand and respiratory hygiene by washing and sanitising hands regularly, coughing/sneezing into your elbow and anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate immediately.”