Free RATs for pensioners and concession card holders: Where to find them on Gold Coast

Millions of Australians are entitled to up to 10 free RATs over three months at pharmacies – but a pharmacist warned tests are still in short supply. See where to get one.

From Monday January 24, six million concession card holders nationwide will be entitled to up to 10 free RATs over three months at pharmacies.

To be eligible for the free tests, you must have one of the following Commonwealth concession cards:

•Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

•Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card

•Health Care Card

•Low Income Health Card

•Pensioner Concession Card

But the Pharmacy Guide of Australia has warned even if you’re eligible, it may be hard to get your hands on a test due to supply shortages.

Guild branch president Chris Owen said most pharmacies across Queensland had no stock.

“Most pharmacies are still waiting for stock and waiting for their orders to arrive so they will not have stock available for this program (on Monday),” he said.

A Covid-19 rapid antigen test. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

Mr Owen encouraged people to check the Guild’s own RAT finder site, instead of calling up individual pharmacies.

According to the site, there are 15 locations on the Gold Coast supplying free RATs for concession card holders.

How do you prove you are eligible?

Visit a participating community pharmacy in person and present your Commonwealth concession card.

The pharmacy will record your concession card details and provide the tests if you haven’t already claimed them.

A sign on the front door of a pharmacy informing customers that RAT tests are unavailable. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

What if you test positive?

Advise health authorities of your positive result as soon as possible. No action is required if you test negative.

It is important to record your result with authorities so they can keep track of the Covid spread and provide you with further health advice.

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