Student COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Testing Locations
The Student Health Center provides COVID-19 symptomatic testing by appointment only for University of Alabama students who are sick or may be experiencing symptoms of the virus. Students who need a COVID test due to illness or symptoms should make an appointment online through the myBama SHC patient portal (preferred) or call 205-348-2778. COVID vaccines and boosters are by appointment.
Additional testing locations in our area can be found with the Alabama Department of Public Health testing site tracker. Free COVID-19 self-tests are now available should you wish to order them for your household. For those living on campus, note that USPS will not fulfill orders on the federal website for free at-home testing kits to student mailboxes on campus.
Free Federal At-Home COVID Tests Guidance
Because the U.S. Postal Service designates UA’s address as a business address, USPS will not fulfill orders on the federal website for free at-home testing kits to student mailboxes on campus. Students or parents can order tests to be sent to their home address, then personally mailed to campus. See the Campus Mail Service website for details.
Students with symptoms who wish to see a provider may also be tested; symptomatic students with a positive test result will receive a telemedicine visit, and those with a negative test may have an in-person visit. All tests performed on-site at SHC will be rapid tests (antigen).
Students’ insurance will be billed for all symptomatic and exposure testing. Any copays, deductibles or uninsured charges will be placed on the student’s account. In addition to their CWID and government-issued ID, students should bring their insurance information for billing. Students without health insurance will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but the goal is not to turn any students away if testing is warranted.
Because of supply issues, there may be times when only COVID-19/flu combination tests, which are slightly more expensive than COVID-19 tests, are available at the SHC. If so, the combination tests will be used, and students will be charged accordingly.
If you test positive
Students who test positive at the Student Health Center (or elsewhere) should return to their legal residence, avoid contact with others, and follow guidance provided by the CDC and their doctor.