BY KAYLA WONG
With COVID-19 still a
threat, state Senator Joseph
P. Addabbo, Jr. is once again
partnering with Valhalla
Medics to bring a free testing
event to Woodhaven later
this month.
This event comes after
two successful COVID-19
antibody testing events near
the Rockaways earlier in the
year.
The event will take place
on Friday, Sept. 24, outside
of the Woodhaven Business
Improvement District’s (BID)
office, located at 89-07 Jamaica
Ave., from noon to 2 p.m.
“These events have become
incredibly popular
since I started partnering
with Valhalla Medics to
bring the free testing to the
communities,” Addabbo said.
“We had over 100 people come
out to test their COVID antibodies
back in July. It’s important
to get the antibody
testing done so you can make
sure that your COVID vaccine
is providing your body
with the protection it needs to
fight off the virus or that an
individual has the antibodies
to further protect themselves
from the pandemic.”
The vaccination rates
vary across Queens, ranging
from about 46.5 percent in
Far Rockaway to more than
99 percent in Jamaica.
The test that will be administered
is a rapid IgG/
IgM antibody test, which is
just a painless finger prick
to draw a small bead of blood
used for processing. After
about a 10-minute wait, patients
are given a form with
a write-up of their results
signed by the technician who
performed the test. These
IgG/IgM tests can detect
and differentiate between
the presence of the shortterm
(IgM) and the long-term
(IgG) antibodies.
A positive IgM test can
indicate you have recently
been vaccinated and your
YOU ALWAYS
KEEP THEM SAFE.
WITH VACCINES,
THEY’LL BE
EVEN SAFER.
CHILDREN AGES 12-17 CAN NOW BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19.
Get your child vaccinated for a safe return to school. Children who have been
vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to get and spread COVID-19.
TIMESLEDGER | Q 4 NS.COM | SEPT. 24 - SEPT. 30, 2021
immune system has started
responding to the vaccination,
while a positive IgG test
may mean you have longterm
antibodies to help prevent
re-infection.
It is important to get an
antibody test, even after being
vaccinated, for a number
of reasons: It can show antibodies
from the COVID-19
vaccine; it can show antibodies
to determine if you
had the virus in the past; or
it can show a current infection
of COVID-19. Data has
shown that even if an individual
is vaccinated, there is
a small chance that they can
still contract COVID-19 and
spread it to others.
No insurance is necessary
to take part in the
testing event. Walk-ups are
welcomed, but it is recommended
to register by calling
Addabbo’s office at 718-738-
1111 to secure a spot.
If community members
need another incentive, Valhalla
Medics will be providing
free giveaways for all
those who come to get the
free antibody test.
“I would like to thank
Valhalla Medics and their
team for their continued
partnership on these community
Photo via Getty Images
events,” Addabbo
added. “And I want to give
a big thanks to the Woodhaven
BID for joining with
us. I hope to see many people
come out to the Woodhaven
BID to get tested as well.”
Free COVID-19 antibody testing
event coming to Woodhaven
LET’S KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE AND OUR SCHOOLS COVID-FREE.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines
and where to get one, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.
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