Addabbo's free COVID-19 antibody testing event coming to Forest Hills this December

After several successful events this year, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is bringing the popular free COVID-19 Antibody Testing Event series to Forest Hills in December.

On Sunday, December 19, the team from Valhalla Medics will be at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center located at 106-16 70th Avenue in Forest Hills, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., to provide free COVID-19 antibody tests to the community.

“I am always impressed with how popular these antibody testing events are each time I host one,” Addabbo said. “The last event we held in Belle Harbor brought out 70 people to get their antibody tests. 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. I want to thank Valhalla Medics for their continued partnership on these events, as well as the Bukharian Jewish Community Center for opening up their space for us.”

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.
   

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.