WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES DECEMBER 2, 2021 11
COVID-19 antibody testing
event coming to Forest Hills
BY CARLOTTA MOHAMED
CMOHAMED@SCHNEPSMEDIA.COM
@QNS
After several successful events
this year, Senator Joseph
Addabbo Jr. is hosting a free
COVID-19 antibody testing event in
Forest Hills on Sunday, Dec. 19.
A team from Valhalla Medics will
be at the Bukharian Jewish Community
Center, located at 106-16 70th
Ave., from noon to 2 p.m. to provide
free COVID-19 antibody tests to the
community.
“I have been trying to bring
Valhalla Medics into the different
communities within my district,
and I am happy to be able to come
to Forest Hills next month with this
fantastic, free event,” said Addabbo,
who thanked Valhalla Medics for
their continued partnership, as well
as the Bukharian Jewish Community
Center for opening up their space for
the event.
During Addabbo’s last event held
in Belle Harbor, about 70 people
were tested, he said.
The test that will be given is a rapid
IgG/IgM antibody test, which is done
using a nearly painless finger prick
to draw a small bead of blood that is
transferred for processing.
After about a 10-minute wait, patients
are given a form with a writeup
of their results that is signed by
the technician who performed the
test. These IgG/IgM tests can detect
and differentiate between the presence
of the short-term (IgM) and the
long-term (IgG) antibodies.
According to Addabbo, it’s important
for people to get an antibody
test, even after being vaccinated.
A test can show antibodies from
the COVID-19 vaccine and it can determine
if a person had the virus in
the past. It can also show a current
infection of COVID-19. While data
has shown that even if a person is
vaccinated, there is a small chance
that they can still contract the virus
and spread it to others.
Valhalla Medics will be providing
free giveaways for all those who
come down to get the free antibody
test.
No insurance is necessary to take
part in the testing event. Anyone
who wishes to participate in the
event and get their free rapid antibody
test is urged to register by calling
Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111 to
secure a spot. Walk-ups will also be
welcomed.
Warmest wishes for a
Happy Hanukkah.
Congresswoman
Grace Meng
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