Here's How To Get Free N95 Face Masks Near You

Written by Kristen Gerencher, MSOT

Key Takeaways:

• The highly contagious Omicron variant has driven record numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Public health officials continue to urge the use of face coverings to control the spread of the virus.
• Americans can claim up to three free high-quality face masks per person at pharmacies and community health centers as the masks arrive in early February.
• High-quality masks for children will be available “in the near future,” according to reports.

If you’ve struggled to find an effective face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be able to pick up a few high-quality ones for free at a pharmacy near you. Stores are beginning to distribute free N95 masks in some locations as the first shipments arrive.

The Biden administration announced in January that it was sending 400 million nonsurgical N95 masks for people to collect in their communities in the coming days. The masks are arriving around the same time as the first deliveries of at-home rapid COVID tests that people order online at COVIDTests.gov.

Many public health officials agree that wearing any mask is better than no mask when faced with the highly contagious Omicron variant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its mask guidance. It now says that some kinds of masks offer more protection than others.

Cloth masks may be least effective in protecting against the Omicron variant (unless you wear one layered with a disposable mask underneath). Medical-style masks, such as disposable surgical masks and KN95s, generally shield you better than cloth masks, the CDC said. And N95 masks offer the highest level of protection.

Here is what we know so far about the free mask program. Check back with GoodRx for updates.

Biden’s Plan For Free N95 Masks

The Omicron surge is pushing some communities to record levels of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations and straining healthcare systems. Overall, the number of new cases is declining, but deaths remain high, according to the CDC.

To help control the spread of the virus, the Biden administration is sending 400 million nonsurgical N95 masks to retail pharmacies and community health centers starting in February . As they arrive, people can pick up three adult-sized masks per person at select locations. High-quality masks for children should follow soon as well, according to news reports.

When Will Free N95 Masks Be Available?

The free N95 masks became available for people to pick up in some locations by late January. Masks are expected to arrive on a rolling basis in February.

Where Can You Get Your Free N95 Mask?

You can pick up your free masks at many of the same grocery store and pharmacy chains that provide free COVID-19 vaccines. The U.S. government is using the same network of 21 partners — called the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program (FRPP) — to distribute masks to the public. It’s also sending masks to some community health centers.

How Many N95 Masks Does The Government Currently Have?

The 400 million masks the U.S. is sending out represent more than half of the nearly 740 million nonsurgical N95 masks that the U.S. has held in its Strategic National Stockpile. The stockpile is an emergency reserve of medical equipment traditionally maintained for healthcare workers. Early in the pandemic, supplies were tight. The Biden administration has since worked to triple the number of masks available in the national reserve.

Can I Reuse My N95 Mask?

A study from the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) suggests you can safely reuse an N95 up to five times, the CDC said. After that, wear and tear on the head straps and nose piece may cause the seal to become flimsy. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for reuse guidance.

It’s also important to follow best practices for putting on and taking off your mask to reduce the risk of accidental contamination. The CDC recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions on how to wear, store, clean, or dispose of the mask. You shouldn’t use your N95 mask if it gets wet or dirty.

Is A KN95 The Same As An N95?

Both types of masks must filter out 95 percent of small particles such as bacteria and viruses. But the rules and standards for how they work are different. You should watch out for fake masks of either kind by learning signs that a mask may be counterfeit.

Nonsurgical N95 masks — also known as N95 respirators — have nose clips and long elastic bands that fit around your head. The masks have to gain approval from NIOSH. N95 masks are often used in workplaces. Surgical N95s are a special kind of respirator that should be reserved for healthcare settings.

You can tell a KN95 mask from an N95 because it has ear loops instead of head straps. KN95 masks are made in China and aren’t subject to the same level of quality control as N95 masks. About 60 percent of KN95 respirators that NIOSH evaluated during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 didn’t meet the requirements they set out to meet, according to the CDC.

You’ll want to choose a respirator that fits properly and forms a tight seal to your face. At the same time, it shouldn’t be hard to breathe while using the respirator. The CDC recommends avoiding international respirators if they have an exhalation valve, vent, or other opening.

Free Mask Distribution Begins At Pharmacies Across The U.S.

February 4, 2022

The government’s free mask program is up and running at some grocery stores and pharmacy chains as the first shipments reach Americans. Some stores are putting out bins of N95 masks for people to take. Others are keeping them behind the pharmacy counter so you have to ask for them.

Mask shipments are coming in waves, so if supplies run out in the first wave, more may be on the way to the same or a nearby store. One thing the distribution sites have in common: Government flyers with links and QR codes for instructions on how to wear the masks properly.

You don’t need to show identification or proof of insurance of any kind to receive a free mask.

Here’s how some pharmacies and retailers are managing the incoming inventory:

• Walgreens posted a list of its stores in each state and Puerto Rico that are offering free masks.
• Rite Aid posted a brief statement saying the masks are now available and no purchase is necessary.
• Walmart told the Wall Street Journal its Walmart and Sam’s Club stores expect to have masks available the second week of February.
• Some HyVee and Meijer supermarkets in the Midwest began distributing free masks in late January, according to CNN.

You can contact your local pharmacy to see if it has, or will soon have, free N95 masks in stock.

Indoor Mask Mandates In Flux As Omicron Loosens Its Grip In Places

January 31, 2022

Local rules on when to wear a mask inside are changing as the number of new COVID-19 cases levels out or declines in some areas.

California is on track to lift its mask requirement for workplaces and indoor public spaces on February 15 after extending it in mid-December as the Omicron variant began spreading rapidly. But Washington, D.C., is extending its indoor mask mandate until the end of February even as cases drop, in an effort to keep the downward trend going.

Here are the nine states that require the wearing of masks in indoor settings, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, according to AARP:

• California
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Washington state

Similar to vaccine mandates, mask mandates became a source of political tension during the pandemic. Eleven states didn’t impose any mask requirements, AARP said. At least five states have passed laws or made executive orders to block mask mandates for businesses or schools.

Meanwhile, a federal mask mandate for public transportation remains in effect through Mar. 18. Everyone age 2 and older must wear a face covering at airports, on commercial aircraft, buses, and rail systems. There are exceptions for people with certain disabilities.

The spectrum of mask requirements varies depending on your location and activities. Masks are typically required in all kinds of healthcare settings, whether you’ve been vaccinated or not, to protect vulnerable patients. But entertainment venues, for example, often have more fluid COVID-19 protocols.

The Bottom Line

You can claim up to three free high-quality masks per person at a pharmacy or community health center near you as shipments arrive. The Biden administration is sending 400 million nonsurgical N95 masks to pharmacies and health centers across the U.S. to help people protect themselves and others from the highly contagious Omicron variant. Adult-sized masks are the only ones available to start. Child-sized masks are expected to come at a later date. CDC.gov has resources on how to wear and maintain masks.

References:

Brice-Saddler, M. (2022). D.C., Montgomery County see Covid cases drop — but not mask mandates. The Washington Post.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Doffing PPE: Remove the N95 respirator personal protective equipment (PPE).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). COVID-19 decontamination and reuse of filtering facepiece respirators.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Science brief: Community use of masks to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Pharmacies participating in COVID-19 vaccination.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Types of masks and respirators.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Your guide to masks.

COVIDtests.gov. (n.d.). Free at-home COVID-19 tests.

Diamond, D. et al. (2022). Biden administration to distribute 400 million N95 masks to the public for free. CNN.

Fox 10 Phoenix News. (2022). Fry’s Food Stores providing free N95 masks.

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Howard, J. et al. (2022). Free N95 masks: U.S. pharmacies are rolling out free N95 masks as free COVID-19 tests begin to arrive in the mail. CNN.

Hudak, J. (2022). Clubs are open during Omicron. But will there be people? Rolling Stone.

Markowitz, A. (2022) State-by-state guide to face mask requirements. AARP.

The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Counterfeit respirators/Misrepresentation of NIOSH-approval. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Otis, G. A. (2022). How to get your free N95 masks from the government. Wall Street Journal.

Pope, P. T. (2022). How to find a quality mask (and avoid counterfeits). The New York Times.

Roberts, C. (2022). Yes, you need to use a better mask. Consumer Reports.