Addabbo to bring another COVID-19 antibody testing event to the Rockaways this July

With the vaccination numbers continuing to go up in the city, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., along with two community partners, is bringing a COVID-19 antibody testing event to the Rockaways this July.

On Friday, July 23, Addabbo is partnering with local medical facility Valhalla Medics and the Wave newspaper to bring this event to the community. The event will run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held outside of the Wave’s office, located at 438 Beach 129th Street, in Rockaway Park.

Addabbo previously brought Valhalla Medics to Broad Channel for an antibody testing event and more than 60 people came out to check their COVID-19 antibodies.

“This testing event is a great way for vaccinated individuals to see if the COVID-19 antibodies are present in their system,” Addabbo said. “I had an antibody test before I was vaccinated and it showed no antibodies in my system, but after I received both of my vaccine shots, I took the test again at the last testing event I held with Valhalla Medics and I had the antibodies. It was a good feeling knowing that the vaccine is working for me and that I am protected.”

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 write up of their results that is signed by the technician that 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.

It is important to get an antibody test, even after being vaccinated because:

• It can show antibodies from the COVID-19 vaccine;
• It can show antibodies to determine if you had the virus in the past;
• It can show a current infection of COVID-19;
• Data has shown that even if you are vaccinated, there is a small chance that you can still contract COVID-19 and spread it to others.

No insurance is necessary to take part in the testing event. Anyone who wishes to take part 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.

Valhalla Medics will be providing free giveaways for all those who come down to get the free antibody test.

“Even if you are fully vaccinated, it is important to still get tested for COVID, because there is still a small chance that you can contract the virus and spread it, potentially to someone who is not vaccinated,” Addabbo added. “I would like to thank Valhalla Medics and everyone at the Wave for helping to bring this important event to the community.”