Hi readers,

President Biden announced the purchase of 500 million COVID-19 tests by the federal government in addition to the 500 million he announced last month. The free tests will be available at community health centers and by mail order through a website set to launch Wednesday. Beginning tomorrow, insurance companies are required to reimburse individuals for up to eight rapid tests purchases per month, but some politicians say it is too little, too late. Congressional representatives called on the administration to respond more quickly as the omicron variant continues to ravage the nation and cripple hospital facilities. 

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the government's large employer vaccine mandate but allowed the requirement for health care workers at Medicare or Medicaid-funded facilities.

Lastly, we took a look at the struggle of the youngest unvaccinated Americans: those under 5 who are not yet eligible for a shot. Many parents are struggling to keep their kids safe while awaiting clinical trial data from vaccine makers. One of Moderna's chief investigators told us the FDA could authorize vaccination in this population by late March or early April. Read more on that below. 

If you are looking for a test site, go here. If you want to order a free PCR test by mail, use this link.