Alberta
Feeling sick? Find out what’s causing it. Join our PREPARED research study for free viral testing and help Canadians by contributing to scientific research. This study aims to improve Canada’s ability to detect pandemics early, connect patients to clinical trials, and quickly provide useful information to guide health decisions.
Text 1-855-600-5644 to see if you can get free testing for respiratory viruses.
Additional Information
We are offering in-person rapid and PCR tests for multiple viruses at community pharmacies (listed below) in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Edmonton, Spruce Grove, Lethbridge, and Red Deer.
For residents of Lethbridge and Red Deer, we are now also offering free, rapid at-home test kits for COVID-19 and Influenza A and B (the flu), sent directly to your home via courier.
We are providing these tests for people with respiratory symptoms to help detect what respiratory viruses are in the community and potentially develop new vaccines and treatments.
If you meet the criteria below, you may be eligible. We will ask you to go to your nearest participating pharmacy to undergo nasal swabbing and answer a brief survey, or we will send a test kit to your home so you can test yourself.
Eligibility Criteria
Age 5+ with at least 2 of the following respiratory symptoms in the past 7 days:
Rhinitis
Wheezing
Hard to breathe
Trouble sleeping because of breathing difficulties
Cough
Sore throat
Loss of smell or taste
Excessive mucus production
Rapid breathing
Nasal congestion
Blood in sputum
OR
One of the respiratory symptoms mentioned above
plus one or more of the following:
Fatigue
Feeling weak
Chills
Joint stiffness or pain
Tired and may be unable to stand
Night Sweats
Fever (over 37.5°C)
Painful or sore muscles
Pharmacy Locations
Torrent (Redstone) Medical Clinic and Pharmacy
#1180 – 235 Red Embers Way NE
Calgary, AB T3N 2G8
Axis Pharmacy Clinic
3503 20 St SW
Calgary, AB T2T 6X4
Wellness Advice
#107 – 4625 Varsity Dr NW
Calgary, AB T3A 0X9
Heathers Pharmacy and Travel Clinic
#104 – 305 10 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1V5
Core Pharmacy: Travel Clinic & Compounding
722 85 St SW,
Calgary, AB T3H 1S6
D&M Travel Clinic – North Calgary
1505 19 St NW,
Calgary, AB T2N 2K2
Sage Meadows Pharmacy
240-2971 136 Ave NW
Calgary, AB T3P 1N7
The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy Elbow (#441)
100 – 8408 Elbow Dr. SW
Calgary, AB T2V 1K7
Torrent Pharmacy – Bridlewood
2525 Bridlecrest Way SW Bay 95,
Calgary, AB T2Y 5J4
Walden Medical Pharmacy
19606 Walden Blvd SE #110
Calgary, AB T2X 4C3
Shawnee Pharmacy
88 Shawnee St SW #2160
Calgary, AB T2Y 3S1
Creekside Pharmacy Plus
inside Creekside Village, 403 MacKenzie Way SW #1113
Airdrie, AB T4B 3V7
Cochrane Clinic Pharmacy
612 1 St W
Cochrane, AB T4C 1B1
Health Plus IDA Pharmacy
8117 102 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 4A4
Canora Pharmacy
15803 100a Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5P 0L7
Kensington Mettra Pharmacy
13803 127 St
Edmonton, AB T6V 1A8
Medicine Market
726-91st Street SW Unit 4
Edmonton, AB T6X 0E4
Hillside Pharmasave
636 King St #114
Spruce Grove, AB T7X 4K5
Edson Pharmacy Remedy’s RX
4924 4th Ave
Edson, Alberta, T7E 1T8
Thriftway I.D.A. Pharmacy
702 13 St N
Lethbridge, AB T1H 2T1
I.D.A. Gaetz Avenue Pharmacy
3410 50 Ave #120
Red Deer, AB T4N 3Y4
Timberlea Pharmacy
122 Millennium Dr Unit 8
Fort McMurray, AB T9K 0V7
Spring Creek Pharmacy
1024 Spring Creek Drive
Canmore, AB T1W 0N1
At-Home Testing
For residents of Lethbridge and Red Deer, we are now also offering free, rapid at-home test kits for COVID-19 and Influenza A and B (the flu), sent directly to your home via courier.
FAQ and Contact
Information
PREPARED RESEARCH STUDY PARTICIPATE TODAY!
Feeling sick with cold, flu or
COVID-19?
Text
1-855-600-5644
to see if you are eligible
Receive free testing. Rapid results for multiple respiratory viruses
VERSION 1.0 12 JAN 2026. Approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board REB24-1092
It will take approximately 15-20 minutes
The rapid test will test for COVID-19, influenza A/B, adenovirus and RSV. The PCR test will test for the same viruses as well as any others that are determined to be relevant at the time.
Polymerase chain reaction. This test is highly accurate and considered the best method for detecting the genetic material of viruses. It helps to ensure precise and reliable results.
In the pharmacy, PCR and rapid tests require a nasal swab. The nasal swab test means gently putting a swab just inside your nose, about half an inch to three quarters of an inch in. The pharmacist will rub the swab against the inside of your nostril for about 10–15 seconds, then use the same swab to do the same thing in the other nostril. For home testing, you will use a nasal swab.
Most people feel only mild discomfort or tickling during the swab, which lasts just a few seconds.
There is no associated risk with this study other than mild discomfort from the swab.
Rapid test results will be provided to you within 15 minutes of the swab, PCR test results will be e-mailed to participants if they choose to do so.
The pharmacist or staff member will screen you to make sure you are eligible for the study. Then they will go over a consent form for you to sign. If you sign the consent, they will perform 2 swabs on you. While you wait for the rapid test results, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire. Once the rapid test results are available (will take up to 15 minutes), the pharmacist or staff member will let you know the results.
Text 1-855-600-5644 to see if you can get free testing for respiratory viruses.
Email prepared@ucalgary.ca or call 1-888-771-7473 for questions related to the study in Alberta
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