COVID-19 testing and vaccinations at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: What to know
The Indiana Department of Health will extend its COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for another month, state health officials announced Tuesday. The hours open will change.
Here's what you need to know.
When will IMS clinic will be open?
The clinic at 4551 W. 16th St. across from Gate 2 will now be open Tuesdays and Thursdays noon to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The revised schedule begins today.
Why is the clinic extended?
The clinic is now scheduled to run through Feb. 26.
Initially opened in mid-September to handle an increase in demand for testing, the clinic dates have now been extended multiple times. The clinic was first scheduled to close at the end of October, shortly before the vaccine was approved for children ages 5 to 11. State officials kept it open to serve that age group.
In November, as cases started to climb again and knowing that children would soon need a second dose, the Indiana Department of Health once more extended the closure date for the clinic, this time through December. In December, as cases started to soar once more, the state announced another extension, this time through January.
While some experts say that omicron has peaked here, the seven-day daily case average is still higher than it has been at any other point in the pandemic, according to the state's COVID-19 dashboard.
More: Indiana schools buckling under weight of eye-popping new record for COVID-19 cases
Can I get a rapid test at IMS clinic?
As previously announced, most people at the IMS clinic will be offered a PCR test rather than a rapid test. PCR tests typically take two to three days for results.
Who can get a rapid test?
Because of a limited supply of rapid tests, if the state has rapid tests available, they will only be offered to people 18 or younger and those over age 50 who have symptoms. This limit applies to all state-run sites.
Where can I get a rapid test?
You can try to purchase a home rapid test at a local drug store, though supplies typically run out within hours. These typically run about $25 for a box of two tests. Insurers will now reimburse policy holders for the cost of the tests.
More: Looking for a COVID test? Here are tips to find at-home testing kits and get them for free
How do I get free government tests?
You can order tests from the government through the COVIDtests.gov website. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four tests, according to the website. Orders will ship seven to 12 days after ordering.
Where can I get vaccinated or boosted?
The IMS site is offering the Pfizer pediatric and adult vaccine, as well as the Moderna vaccine — only available to those over 18. The site has both primary vaccines and booster doses. To find another site to be vaccinated visit ourshot.in.gov or call 211. Many retail pharmacies are also offering vaccinations.
Do I need an appointment at the IMS clinic?
Appointments at the IMS clinic and other sites are strongly recommended but walk-ins are accepted when there is capacity to do so.
What if the changes affects your appointment?
State health officials say that they will contact people who had an appointment scheduled between 4 to 8 p.m. on a Wednesday or Friday to reschedule.
Contact IndyStar reporter Shari Rudavsky at shari.rudavsky@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter: @srudavsky.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis COVID testing: IMS clinic extended, free tests by mail
