Addabbo to bring free COVID antibody testing event to Jamaica Avenue this month

After two successful COVID-19 antibody testing events near the Rockaways earlier in the year, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is once again partnering with Valhalla Medics to bring this free event to Woodhaven this month, thanks to the Woodhaven Business Improvement District (BID).

The event will take place on Friday, September 24, outside of the BID’s office, located at 89-07 Jamaica Avenue, from 12 p.m. 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 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 utilized 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.

“I would like to thank Valhalla Medics and their team for their continued partnership on these community 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!”