Two local Senators partner to bring free COVID-19 antibody testing event to Forest Hills

This February, State Senators Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and Toby Ann Stavisky are partnering up to bring a free COVID-19 antibody testing event to Forest Hills.

On Sunday, February 6, Addabbo and Stavisky will bring in the team from Valhalla Medics to the Beth Gavriel Bukharian Jewish Center, located at 66-35 108th Street in Forest Hills to provide free COVID-19 antibody tests for the community from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

“As the Omicron variant continues to spread through New York, it is vital that we continue to keep on top of our health, and checking your COVID antibodies is an easy way to make sure that you are protected,” Addabbo said. “These free antibody testing events were by far the most popular events we held in 2021, and I hope to see that same success as we bring this event series back in 2022.”

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.

“Readily available vaccination and booster shots have done wonders in mitigating the health risks of COVID-19,” Senator Stavisky said. “However, many people still have anxiety about whether or not they’re protected. This free and quick antibody test provides peace of mind for those concerned about exposure to the virus. Thank you to Senator Addabbo and Valhalla Medics for putting together this event.”

“I want to thank the Valhalla Medics team for continuing this great event series in our communities, and I’d like to thank Senator Stavisky for her partnership in bringing this event to Forest Hills, as well as Yesodot and the Beth Gavriel Bukharian Jewish Center for helping to host this event.”

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.