Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Resources for Patients
FDA’s priority is your health and safety. While everyone’s daily lives are impacted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the impact may be even greater on older adults and people of any age who have chronic medical conditions.
If you are not feeling well or have any questions about your health, please contact your health care provider (e.g., doctor, nurse).
Below are resources to help address questions patients may have about FDA-regulated medical products (drugs, biologics, devices) and COVID-19.
If you are a health professional interested in learning more, please visit COVID-19 For Health Professionals.
FDA is committed to keeping you informed regarding the latest information and resources for COVID-19. Learn more at FDA.gov/coronavirus.
- The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH): Medical Devices and the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic
- The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER): Coronavirus (COVID-19) Drugs
- The Oncology Center of Excellence: A Message to Patients with Cancer and Health Care Providers About COVID-19
FDA Actively Working to Investigate, Address Potential Impacts of Omicron Variant; Urges Vaccination and Boosters (November 30, 2021)
FDA Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters: FDA authorizes use of a single booster dose for all individuals 18 years of age and older. (November 19, 2021)
Stakeholder Call: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5-11 Years Old (November 1, 2021)
Stakeholder Call: COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses (October 29, 2021)
FDA Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use in Children 5 through 11 Years of Age (October 29, 2021)
Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee October 26, 2021 Meeting: Pfizer-BioNTech’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for administration of their COVID-19 mRNA vaccine to children ages 5-11
FDA Takes Additional Actions on the Use of a Booster Dose for COVID-19 Vaccines (October 20, 2021)
FDA to Hold Advisory Committee Meeting on November 30, 2021 to Discuss Merck and Ridgeback’s EUA Application for COVID-19 Oral Treatment
FDA COVID-19 Resources for Patients
FDA Continues Important Work to Support Medical Product Development to Address New Virus Variants
Pandemic Response, Pandemic Preparation
Wear Face Masks with No Metal During MRI Exams: FDA Safety Communication
Podcast--FDA Insight: Get Your Flu Vaccine
Advisory Committees Give FDA Critical Advice and the Public a Voice
Podcast--FDA Insight: The Opioid Epidemic and COVID-19 Pandemic
FDA Maintains the Pace of Meeting Its Goals on Applications for Medical Products During the Pandemic
Help Stop the Spread of Coronavirus and Protect Your Family
- FDA COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- FDA COVID-19 Educational Resources
- FDA Patient Outreach Toolkit about COVID-19
- Face Masks and Surgical Masks for COVID-19: Manufacturing, Purchasing, Importing, and Donating Masks During the Public Health Emergency
- UV Lights and Lamps: Ultraviolet-C Radiation, Disinfection, and Coronavirus
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) FAQs
- Preguntas más frecuentes acerca de la Enfermedad del Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
Find a community-based testing site for COVID-19 near you
FDA Multilingual COVID-19 Resources
Vaccine Information
Information from previous Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBAC) meetings:
FDA Actively Working to Investigate, Address Potential Impacts of Omicron Variant; Urges Vaccination and Boosters (November 30, 2021)
FDA Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters: FDA authorizes use of a single booster dose for all individuals 18 years of age and older. (November 19, 2021)
Stakeholder Call: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5-11 Years Old (November 1, 2021)
Stakeholder Call: COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses (October 29, 2021)
FDA Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use in Children 5 through 11 Years of Age (October 29, 2021)
FDA Takes Additional Actions on the Use of a Booster Dose for COVID-19 Vaccines (October 20, 2021)
Stakeholder Call: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose (September 29, 2021)
FDA Authorizes Booster Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Certain Populations (September 22, 2021)
Podcast--The FDA Commissioner on Boosters & Vaccines for Kids (with Dr. Janet Woodcock) (September 20, 2021)
FDA Will Follow The Science On COVID-19 Vaccines For Young Children (September 10, 2021 Statement from Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock M.D., & Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Research and Evaluation)
FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine (August 23, 2021)
Joint Statement from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Medical Experts on COVID-19 Booster Shots (August 18, 2021)
FDA Authorizes Additional Vaccine Dose for Certain Immunocompromised Individuals (August 12, 2021)
Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Vaccine Boosters (July 8, 2021)
Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting Announcement for June 10, 2021
FDA Continues Important Steps to Ensure Quality, Safety and Effectiveness of Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines (April 21, 2021)
Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) Vaccine Information
- Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee October 14-15, 2021 Meeting: Booster Doses (ModernaTX Inc. and Janssen Biotech Inc. COVID-19 vaccines)
- FDA and CDC Lift Recommended Pause on Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine Use Following Thorough Safety Review
- FDA Takes Steps to Increase Availability of COVID-19 Vaccine
- Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
- Fact Sheets and Additional Information: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
- FDA Announces Advisory Committee Meeting to Discuss Janssen Biotech Inc.’s COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate
- Meeting Information & Event Materials: Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee February 26, 2021 Meeting
FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Third COVID-19 Vaccine
Moderna Vaccine Information
- Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee October 14-15, 2021 Meeting: Booster Doses (ModernaTX Inc. and Janssen Biotech Inc. COVID-19 vaccines)
- FDA Makes Two Revisions to Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Use Authorization to Help Increase the Number of Vaccine Doses Available
- Fact Sheets and Additional Information: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
- Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
- FDA Media Briefing: FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn and CBER Director Peter Marks discuss the EUA issued for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
- FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. & Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research--FDA Statement on Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting
- FDA Announces Advisory Committee Meeting (December 17, 2020) to Discuss Second COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate: request for emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc.
- Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee December 17, 2020 Meeting Announcement
Pfizer Vaccine Information
Stakeholder Call: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5-11 Years Old (November 1, 2021)
FDA Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use in Children 5 through 11 Years of Age (October 29, 2021)
Stakeholder Call: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose (September 29, 2021)
FDA Authorizes Booster Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Certain Populations (September 22, 2021)
FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine (August 23, 2021)
- FDA Authorizes Longer Time for Refrigerator Storage of Thawed Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Prior to Dilution, Making Vaccine More Widely Available
- FDA to Hold Meeting of its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee to Discuss Pediatric Use of COVID-19 Vaccines
- FDA Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use in Adolescents in Another Important Action in Fight Against Pandemic
- Fact Sheets and Additional Information: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
- Virtual Press Conference: First COVID-19 Vaccine
- FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D.--FDA Holds Advisory Committee Meeting to Discuss Authorization of COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate as Part of Agency’s Review of Safety and Effectiveness Data
- FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. & Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research--FDA Statement on Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting
- FDA Announces Advisory Committee Meeting (December 10, 2020) to Discuss COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate: Request for emergency use authorization (EUA) of a COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer, Inc. in partnership with BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH
- Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee December 10, 2020 Meeting Announcement
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Surveillance Information
- FDA Continues Important Steps to Ensure Quality, Safety and Effectiveness of Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Surveillance
- Learn More About COVID-19 Vaccines From the FDA
- FDA Statement on Following the Authorized Dosing Schedules for COVID-19 Vaccines
- The Path for a COVID-19 Vaccine from Research to Emergency Use Authorization
- The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee and its Role in Advising the Agency on COVID-19 Vaccines
- Podcast--FDA Insight: Advisory Committee on COVID-19 Vaccines
- FDA In Brief: FDA Issues Guidance on Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccines
- FDA Announces Advisory Committee Meeting to Discuss COVID-19 Vaccines
- FDA COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- Podcast--FDA Insight: Vaccines for COVID-19, Part 1
- Podcast--FDA Insight: Vaccines for COVID-19, Part 2
Learn about Vaccines
- Podcast--A conversation with the FDA Chief Scientist: Learn about the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Process
- Video– Tell Me More about Vaccine Safety
- Vaccine Development – 101
- Emergency Use Authorization for Vaccines Explained
- Video--Tell Me More About Vaccines
- The FDA’s Scientific and Regulatory Oversight of Vaccines is Vital to Public Health
Hand Sanitizers
- FDA warns that vapors from alcohol-based hand sanitizers can have side effects
- FDA Takes Action to Place All Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers from Mexico on Import Alert to Help Prevent Entry of Violative and Potentially Dangerous Products into U.S., Protect U.S. Consumers
- Video--Safely Using Hand Sanitizer
- Podcast--FDA Insight: Hand Hygiene During COVID-19
- Safely Using Hand Sanitizer
- FDA Warns Consumers About Hand Sanitizer Packaged in Food and Drink Containers
- Is Your Hand Sanitizer on FDA’s List of Products You Should Not Use?
- FDA Updates on Hand Sanitizers with Methanol Contamination
- FDA advises consumers not to use hand sanitizer products manufactured by Eskbiochem
- FDA Takes Action to Protect Public Health; Increase Supply of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
- FDA Continues to Ensure Availability of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Addresses Safety Concerns
- Q&A for Consumers: Hand Sanitizers and COVID-19
- FDA provides guidance on production of alcohol-based hand sanitizer to help boost supply, protect public health
Testing
- Find a community-based testing site for COVID-19 near you
- FDA Updates Test Policies to Help to Ensure Accuracy and Reliability of Tests and Increase Access to At-Home Tests
- FDA Authorizes Additional OTC Home Test to Increase Access to Rapid Testing for Consumers
- FDA Safety Communication: Stop Using Innova SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Qualitative Test
- FDA Safety Communication: Stop Using Lepu Medical Technology SARS-CoV-2 Antigen and Leccurate Antibody Tests
- Recommendations on Providing Clear Instructions to Patients Who Self-Collect an Anterior Nares (Nasal) Sample in a Health Care Setting for SARS-CoV-2 Testing
- FDA Continues to Advance Over-the Counter and Other Screening Test Development
- FDA Permits Marketing of First SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Test Using Traditional Premarket Review Process
- FDA Authorizes Adaptive Biotechnologies T-Detect COVID Test
- FDA Issues Authorization for First Molecular Non-Prescription, At-Home Test
- Improper Use of Thermal Imaging Devices: FDA Safety Communication
- FDA Issues Authorization for Quidel QuickVue At-Home COVID-19 Test
- Safety Communication: Risk of False Negative Results with the Curative SARS-Cov-2 Test for COVID-19
- FDA Authorizes Antigen Test as First Over-the-Counter Fully At-Home Diagnostic Test for COVID-19
- FDA Issues New Authorization for the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test
- FDA Authorizes First Direct-to-Consumer COVID-19 Test System
- FDA Authorizes First COVID-19 and Flu Combination Test for use with home-collected samples
- FDA Authorizes First COVID-19 Test for Self-Testing at Home
- Recommendations on Providing Clear Instructions to Patients Who Self-Collect an Anterior Nares (Nasal) Sample in a Health Care Setting for SARS-CoV-2 Testing - Letter to Health Care Providers
- FDA Authorizes First Diagnostic Test Where Results Can Be Read Directly From Testing Card
- FDA’s Ongoing Work to Support and Advance COVID-19 Diagnostic Test Accuracy and Availability
- FDA Issues First Emergency Authorization for Sample Pooling in Diagnostic Testing
- Podcast--FDA Insight: All About COVID-19 Testing
- Video--An Introduction to COVID-19 Tests
- FDA Takes Steps to Streamline Development of Tests With At-Home Sample Collection
- FDA Provides New Tool to Aid Development and Evaluation of Diagnostic Tests That Detect SARS-CoV-2 Infection
- Coronavirus Testing Basics
- FDA Authorizes First Standalone At-Home Sample Collection Kit That Can Be Used With Certain Authorized Tests
- FDA Informs Public About Possible Accuracy Concerns with Abbott ID NOW Point-of-Care Test
- FDA Authorizes First Antigen Test to Help in the Rapid Detection of the Virus that Causes COVID-19 in Patients
- FDA Authorizes First Diagnostic Test Using At-Home Collection of Saliva Specimens
- FDA Authorizes First Test for Patient At-Home Sample Collection
- FDA, Gates Foundation, UnitedHealth Group, Quantigen, and U.S. Cotton Collaborate to Address Testing Supply Needs
Serological Tests (antibodies)
- Antibody Testing Is Not Currently Recommended to Assess Immunity After COVID-19 Vaccination: FDA Safety Communication
- FDA Authorizes Additional Monoclonal Antibody for Treatment of COVID-19
- FDA Advises Against Use of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test Results to Evaluate Immunity or Protection From COVID-19, Including After Vaccination
- FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for the Symbiotica COVID-19 Self-Collected Antibody Test System
- FDA Authorizes Monoclonal Antibodies for Treatment of COVID-19
- Antibody (Serology) Testing for COVID-19: Information for Patients and Consumers
- FDA Issues Warning Letters to Companies Inappropriately Marketing Antibody Tests, Potentially Placing Public Health at Risk
- FDA Provides Promised Transparency for Antibody Tests
- Serological Test Validation and Education Efforts
- Serological tests to detect the body’s immune response to the infection caused by the virus
- FDA Coordinates National Effort to Develop Blood-Related Therapies for COVID-19
Treatment Options
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)
- FDA to Hold Advisory Committee Meeting on November 30, 2021 to Discuss Merck and Ridgeback’s EUA Application for COVID-19 Oral Treatment
- Resumption in Use and Distribution of Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab in Certain States (Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Food and Drug Administration)
- FDA Authorizes Drug for Treatment of COVID-19 (Actemra / tocilizumab)
- Podcast--A conversation with the FDA Chief Scientist: Learn about the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Process
- New Guidance: Recommendations for Investigational COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma
- FDA Authorizes Monoclonal Antibodies for Treatment of COVID-19 (bamlanivimab and etesevimab administered together)
- FDA Updates Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma to Reflect New Data
- FDA’s Ongoing Commitment to Transparency for COVID-19 EUAs
- FDA Authorizes Drug Combination for Treatment of COVID-19
- FDA Authorizes Monoclonal Antibody for Treatment of COVID-19 (bamlanivimab)
- FDA Approves First Treatment for COVID-19
- What is an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)?
- FDA Reissues Emergency Use Authorization for Certain Non-NIOSH-Approved Filtering Face-Piece Respirators Manufactured in China
- FDA Broadens Emergency Use Authorization for Veklury (remdesivir) to Include All Hospitalized Patients for Treatment of COVID-19
- Fact Sheet for Patients And Parents/Caregivers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Of Veklury® (remdesivir) For Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- FDA Includes Ventilator Developed by NASA in Ventilator Emergency Use Authorization
- FDA Authorizes Blood Purification Device to Treat COVID-19
FDA's Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program
- Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP)
- An Update and Behind the Scenes: FDA’s Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program
- Ensuring the Safety of Patients in Clinical Trials Studying Investigational New Drugs to Prevent or Treat COVID-19
- Podcast--FDA Insight: Clinical Trials and Treatments for COVID-19
- FDA cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems
- Medical Devices and the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic
- Partnering with the European Union and Global Regulators on COVID-19
- FDA Takes Additional Action to Harness Real-World Data to Inform COVID-19 Response Efforts
- Bringing a Cancer Doctor’s Perspective to FDA’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Understanding the Regulatory Terminology of Potential Preventions and Treatments for COVID-19
- FDA Takes New Actions to Accelerate Development of Novel Prevention, Treatment Options for COVID-19
- FDA Reiterates Importance of Close Patient Supervision for ‘Off-Label’ Use of Antimalarial Drugs to Mitigate Known Risks, Including Heart Rhythm Problems
- The Path Forward: Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program
- FDA Continues to Accelerate Development of Novel Therapies for COVID-19
- FDA advises patients on use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for COVID-19
Information on Donating Blood and Plasma
Fake Products
- FDA Investigating Certain Imported Medical Gloves
- Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19 in Humans
- National Consumer Protection Week: FDA Is Vigilant in Protecting Consumers Against COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
- Protect Your Family From Fraudulent Flu Products
- Video--Beware of Fraudulent Coronavirus Tests, Vaccines and Treatments
- Danger: Don’t Drink Miracle Mineral Solution or Similar Products
- FDA Protects Patients and Consumers from Fraud During COVID-19
- Federal judge enters temporary injunction against Xephyr LLC doing business as N-Ergetics, preventing sale of Colloidal Silver Products for COVID-19
- FDA Continues to Combat Fraudulent COVID-19 Medical Products
- Fraudulent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Products
- Federal judge enters temporary injunction against Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, preventing sale of Chlorine Dioxide Products Equivalent to Industrial Bleach to Treat COVID-19
- FDA Warns Seller Marketing Dangerous Chlorine Dioxide Products that Claim to Treat or Prevent COVID-19
- FDA Alerts Consumers About Unauthorized Fraudulent COVID-19 Test Kits
- Report Fraudulent Products
Medical Product (drug, biologic, device) Shortages
Medical Device Shortages
- Medical Device Shortages During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Supplies of Medical Devices for COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions or concerns regarding possible medical product (drug, biologic, device) shortages?
To report any potential or actual drug shortage:
Email: drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov
Phone: (240) 402-7770
Click here to search the Drug Shortages Database
To report any potential or actual biological product shortage:
Email: CBERshortage@fda.hhs.gov
Phone: (240) 402-8380
Click here to see CBER-Regulated Products: Current Shortages
To report any potential or actual shortage of a medical device or radiation-emitting product:
Email: DeviceShortages@fda.hhs.gov
Phone: 1-800-638-2041 or (301) 796-7100
Clinical Trials
Are you a patient currently enrolled in a clinical trial? You may have questions about the status of your trial during the COVID-19 pandemic. FDA encourages you to contact your clinical trial investigator and healthcare team about the trial and your care.
FDA’s Expanded Access Program
Expanded access is a potential pathway for your licensed physician/doctor to take if trying an investigational product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment is right for you.
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) Review of Individual Patient Expanded Access Requests for Investigational Drugs and Biological Products During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Guidance for IRBs and Clinical Investigators
- Learn About Expanded Access and Other Treatment Options
- Expanded Access: Information for Patients
- Expanded Access for Medical Devices
- Patients Matter Video: Learn about Expanded Access
Food Safety
- FDA’s Ongoing Use of Inspectional Tools for Ensuring Access to Safe, Quality Food and Medical Products During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- USDA, FDA Underscore Current Epidemiologic and Scientific Information Indicating No Transmission of COVID-19 Through Food or Food Packaging
- Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- FDA's Food and Cosmetics Information Center Answers Your Questions
- Podcast--FDA Insight: Food Safety and COVID-19
- Pandemic Challenges Highlight the Importance of the New Era of Smarter Food Safety
- Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Video--12 Tips for Grocery Shopping During the Pandemic
- Video--FDA: Food Access and COVID-19
- Video--What You Need to Know: Food and COVID-19 PSA with Frank Yiannas
- Shopping for Food During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Food Safety and Availability During the Coronavirus Pandemic
- FDA Offers Assurance About Food Safety and Supply for People and Animals During COVID-19
Additional COVID-19 Information for Patients
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has online COVID-19 resources with advice on how to protect yourself and what to do if you become ill.
- Easy-to-Read COVID-19 Safety Resources
- COVID-19 American Sign Language (ASL) videos
- CDC COVID-19 Guidance
- COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
- FAQ videos on COVID-19
- How to Protect Yourself
- Masks: Wear a Mask. Protect Others.
Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA: COVID-19 Hub
Smithsonian Science Education Center and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a curriculum for youth ages 8-17 (available in over 15 languages) to better understand the current pandemic.
- COVID-19! How Can I Protect Myself and Others? (English)
- COVID-19! How Can I Protect Myself and Others? (additional languages)