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Get Rapid COVID Testing in San Diego

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we’ve been able to live our lives in many ways over the last year. While the pandemic brought countless disappointments and missed opportunities, it also brought together the efforts and cooperation of countless scientists, medical workers, and others in a joint effort to support the healthcare system while working towards a practical vaccine solution in an incredibly short a.m.ount of time. The development of current vaccines against COVID deaths is nothing short of remarkable and has finally revealed a light at the end of the tunnel for the end of the pandemic.

Vaccines, however, need time to allow for sufficient immunity within a population in order to successfully control the spread of COVID-19. In the meantime, as people travel to COVID vaccine locations to get their shots, remaining vigilant and ensuring that you and those around you stay as safe as possible is vitally important to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed. One of the most important parts of this process is rapid testing. Rapid COVID testing in San Diego allows individuals who begin to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 to quickly and conveniently determine whether or not they need to self-isolate in order to protect themselves and those around them. If you need testing here are a few COVID testing sites and pharmacies in San Diego that are qualified to help you.

There is a Site Near You For Rapid COVID Testing in San Diego

Not only does rapid COVID testing in San Diego encourage and support public health and safety, many employers or schools also require test results in order for individuals exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 to return to work or school. Therefore, it is important that you are aware of where and how you can receive a rapid COVID test. San Diego residents should be especially careful so that you can isolate or resume your daily activities as soon as possible, just in case you begin to present with COVID-19 symptoms. Here are some of the most convenient sites across San Diego where you can receive your COVID-19 rapid test today.

North County Coastal Rapid Covid Testing

No matter where you live in San Diego, there is a rapid COVID testing center near you that you can visit in order to determine whether or not you have COVID-19. These centers stretch across the coast of San Diego, through into the inland areas of the city. If you live in the North County Coastal region of San Diego, here are some of the best rapid COVID testing centers nearby that you can visit to get your COVID-19 test results quickly and easily.

Rite Aid Pharmacy (Manchester Ave. Encinitas)

Located on the corner of Encinitas Boulevard and Manchester Avenue, Rite Aid Pharmacy offers a wide variety of services, including rapid COVID-19 testing. Additionally, the pharmacy also offers immunizations for a wide variety of contagions, including the common flu, as well as Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, common vaccinations required for international travel to certain countries. The pharmacy’s stated mission is to “provide customers with the best products, services, and advice to meet their unique needs.”

• Address: 4455 Manchester Ave., Encinitas, CA 92024
• Phone: (760) 943-9423
• Hours: Mon – Sun 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Healthtopia Clinics

Founded in 2018, Healthtopia Clinics is located on the corner of Europa Street and North Coast Highway 101 and can be easily recognized by its distinctive blue storefront and waving flag. The clinic offers a large variety of medical services, ranging from COVID-19 testing to more advanced medical services such as x-rays and lab work. The clinic also offers a variety of mobile medical services, including a rapid COVID test San Diego home visits, and more. 

• Address: 802 N. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
• Phone: (760) 230-1888
• Hours: Mon – Sat 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun: Closed

CVS Pharmacy Oceanside

Established on College Boulevard north of Highway 76, CVS Pharmacy’s welcoming red sign marks a convenient and easy location to receive a rapid COVID-19 test. The pharmacy also offers a variety of other services, including free drug delivery, a photo processing center, and a UPS Access Point. CVS pharmacy provides immunizations as well, so you can get your flu shot after receiving a rapid COVID-19 test in San Diego to keep yourself protected from many different types of viruses.

• Address: 443 College Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92057
• Phone: (760) 940-6032
• Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

North County Inland Rapid Covid Testing

For residents who live further inland from the North County Coast, rest assured that there are a large variety of centers for rapid COVID testing in San Diego available to serve your communities as well. Between Highway 76 and Scripps Ranch Parkway, a number of local pharmacies and businesses offer the services you need to get back to business as fast as possible in the North County Inland area.

Pharmatech, Inc

Located on Innovation Drive, adjacent to the Interstate 15 Express, Pharmatech, Inc has a significant amount of experience manufacturing rapid diagnostic solutions in-house, including COVID-19 tests. On-site testing at Pharmatech, Inc is ongoing, providing fully certified testing services to local residents.

• Address: 15175 Innovation Dr., San Diego, CA 92128
• Phone: (858) 643-5555
• Hours: Mon – Fri 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat & Sun: Closed

UCSD Health Drive-Up COVID-19 Testing

Found on the corner of Via Tazon and W Bernardo Crescent, this testing set up and run by the University of San Diego offers rapid COVID testing that can provide results within 48 hours. The center serves individuals of all ages and patients are able to drive up to the center and receive their tests without leaving their cars.

• Address: 16950 Via Tazon, San Diego, CA 92127
• Phone: (858) 605-4441
• Hours: Monday – Sun: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

COVID Clinic

For visitors who need free COVID testing San Diego offers many sites. They can find the COVID clinic on Via Rancho Parkway, east of Interstate 15 Express. The testing center is marked by a tent, with a check-in sign nearby. Patients in need of rapid COVID testing can choose from a variety of testing options, and results can be received within an hour. The cost of tests can be reimbursed for individuals with health insurance, and some eligible people can even receive free COVID tests in San Diego.

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• Address: 272 E Via Rancho Pkwy., Escondido, CA 92025
• Phone: (877) 219-8378
• Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday – Sat, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sun: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Central San Diego Rapid Covid Testing

Residents of downtown central San Diego will find an abundance of rapid COVID testing centers nearby to choose from. Here are some of the best testing centers around the downtown San Diego area.

PureCare Pharmacy

PureCare Pharmacy can be found on the corner of Carmel Country Road and Carmel Mountain Road, with a minimalist yet distinct sign marking the building. The pharmacy offers travel-approved rapid COVID testing by appointment, as well as other medical services such as medication synchronization, over-the-counter drugs, and skincare products.

• Address: 5550 Carmel Mountain Rd., UNIT 111, San Diego, CA 92130
• Phone: (858) 925-6149
• Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sun: Closed

VA Sorrento Valley

This clinic, established and run by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs, can be found off Sorrento Valley to the West of Highway 805 and provides a variety of services in addition to rapid COVID testing, including primary care and nutrition counseling. The clinic serves patients by scheduled appointment only and primarily serves veterans and their families.

• Address: 10455 Sorrento Valley Rd., San Diego, CA 92121
• Phone: (858) 552-7475
• Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat & Sun: Closed

Alcala Pharmaceuticals

Located on Camino del Rio S south of Highway 8, Alcala Pharmaceuticals offers a variety of rapid COVID testing solutions, including options suitable for international travel. The company operates by appointment only and advises patients to call in before booking a test intended for travel to ensure the correct one is purchased. 

• Address: 3703 Camino del Rio S., #100a, San Diego, CA 92108
• Phone: (619) 450-5870
• Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat & Sun: Closed

AFC Urgent Care Clairmont

Established on the corner of Balboa Avenue and Genesee Avenue, AFC Urgent Care offers walk-in healthcare services including rapid COVID testing for patients of all ages and backgrounds. Testing is available without the need for an appointment, although specific times can also be booked. At-home testing is also available. 

• Address: 5671 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92111
• Phone: (858) 800-2880
• Hours: Mon-Sun, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

One Medical

Visitors can find One Medical located near Little Italy beside the Gaslamp District, off Oceanside Boulevard. The clinic offers same-day appointments and a variety of medical services in addition to rapid COVID testing, including mental health services and chronic illness management. 

• Address: 1230 Columbia St. #100, San Diego, CA 92101
• Phone: (619) 232-3500
• Hours: Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat & Sun: Closed

Eldahmy Wellness Pharmacy

Although not quite the same as visiting one of the best hospitals in San Diego, Eldahmy Wellness Pharmacy on National Avenue, northwest of Highway 75 is one of the best places to receive rapid COVID testing. The pharmacy offers free delivery on products in addition to COVID testing, and is able to negotiate insurance rates on the behalf of patients.

• Address: 1985 National Ave. #1103, San Diego, CA 92113
• Phone: (619) 331-1111
• Hours: Mon-Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun: Closed

East County Rapid Covid Testing

San Diego residents east of the downtown district of the city also have a variety of COVID testing centers to choose from when receiving a rapid COVID test. Here are some of the best COVID testing centers in East County.

Covid Clinic (On Grossmont Center Drive)

Covid Clinic on Grossmont Center Drive west of Highway 125 offers a variety of rapid testing options for different individual needs of patients, and the opportunity for individuals with insurance to have the cost of testing reimbursed or even free testing for eligible persons. Medical screening questions help staff to determine if a person is eligible for free testing.

• Address: 5601 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942
• Phone: (877) 219-8378
• Hours: Mon – Fri 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sun: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Rancho Pharmacy

Rancho Pharmacy, located on Avocado Boulevard north of Campo Road, offers rapid COVID tests for patients by appointment only. Tests are administered curbside, and swabbing is done while patients are in their cars. Results can be obtained within fifteen minutes of testing.

• Address: 3835 Avocado Blvd #100, La Mesa, CA 91941
• Phone: (619) 303-7771
• Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sun: Closed

South Bay Rapid Covid Testing

Residents of San Diego’s South Bay district, south of Highway 125 by the coast, have a variety of testing locations to pick from as well when choosing a rapid COVID test for either work or travel-related purposes. Here are the two best locations for COVID tests in South Bay.

Covid Clinic

An affordable testing center designed to help eligible uninsured and undocumented patients obtain testing as well, Covid Clinic can be found on Naples Street east of San Diego Freeway. This clinic uses medical screening questions to determine if patients are eligible for a free test, and it allows insured patients to reimburse the cost of a test, as well.

• Address: 644 Naples St., Chula Vista, CA 91911
• Phone: (877) 219-8378
• Hours: Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat & Sun 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Marque Urgent Care

Nestled on the corner of Otay Lakes Road and Eastlake Parkway, Marque Urgent Care allows patients in need of a rapid COVID test to receive one either through a reservation or a walk-in appointment. The clinic’s services are covered by most insurance companies and policies, ensuring that tests remain affordable to patients. 

• Address: 2315 Otay Lakes Rd., STE 306, Chula Vista, CA 91914
• Phone: (877) 693-6266
• Hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sun: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Get Your COVID-19 Test Today

Rapid COVID testing is the best and most convenient way for individuals to ensure it’s safe to travel or return to work in case they present symptoms of COVID-19. By getting a rapid COVID test done, you help make sure that you and the people around you are safe and that you can return to your normal life with confidence. In the case that you do test positive for COVID-19, rapid COVID tests help to ensure you receive treatment as soon as possible. Rapid COVID tests only benefit you, so be sure to have one done whenever you feel the onset of symptoms related to COVID-19!

About the author: Roy Shi can often be found spending his time writing articles, short stories, and whatever else suits his fancy. When he isn’t behind the screen, he loves reading the latest fantasy novels by his favorite authors, baking, and practicing the saxophone, much to the chagrin of his neighbors.