Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy held a briefing today to report on the county’s progress on administering and distributing COVID vaccines and controlling the spread of the Coronavirus. As of yesterday, 60.6% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 52.7% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 71.5%. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 51.9%, and full vaccination rate of 43.9%. More information on vaccination rates can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker at the link here. 

County Executive McCoy announced that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 24,269 to date, an increase of 17 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives remained at 17.6. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county. Albany County’s most recent seven-day average of percent positive rates is still 1.0%, and the Capital Region’s rate is still 1.1%.

Among the new cases of Coronavirus, five had close contact with positive cases, 12 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and none are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 105 active cases in the county, down from 106 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 306 from 298. So far, 79,201 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,164 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 19 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were no new hospitalizations overnight, and ten county residents remain hospitalized from the virus. There are still four patients in ICU’s. There are no new deaths to report and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 379 since the outbreak began. 

For the briefing, County Executive McCoy was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen and President George Manias of the Albany FireWolves, a National Lacrosse League team, to announce a new incentive for getting vaccinated.

“On Friday we announced there will be free Albany Empire tickets available for those who get vaccinated at the Vax Block Party at the Times Union Center on May 29. But we want to build on that momentum, and today we announced that the first 1,000 residents between the ages of 12 and 15 who get vaccinated at one of our POD’s will get a free ticket to an Albany FireWolves game for their upcoming season starting in December,” said County Executive McCoy. “These creative incentives are helping us convince those still on the fence, and ultimately will allow us to reach herd immunity. I want to thank President Manias for being a part of this important effort.”

“The Albany FireWolves and the FireWolves Foundation are true to our word and are here to help our community through our Pack Gives Back initiatives.  Nothing is more important right now than our community coming together to beat this pandemic and we want to do our part to help.  The children are the future of this community and we are proud to offer an incentive to help motivate families to have their kids, ages 12-15, get vaccinated so we can insure a healthy future for the Capital Region. Hopefully, we can help get those vaccinated who may either be on the fence or may have otherwise not intended to do so,” said George Manias, President of the Albany FireWolves.

Upcoming Albany County Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:

Albany CAP Center
55 Eagle St, Albany, NY
Wednesday, May 26, 1:30pm - 4pm (with 2nd doses on Wednesday, 6/16 from 1:30 to 4pm. Pfizer 1st and 2nd dose provided)

The Church of Saint Patrick
21 Main Street, Ravena, NY 12143
Wednesday, May 26, 4pm – 7pm 
Partnering with Community Care Physicians, CDPHP and the Town of Coeymans
Pfizer 1st dose and Johnson & Johnson being offered.

West Hill Refugee Welcome Center
104 Ontario Street, Albany
Tuesday, June 1, 4pm – 7pm
Partnering with the Refugee Welcome Center and CDPHP
Pfizer 1st dose and Johnson & Johnson being offered.


Albany County will now be delivering vaccines to homebound residents, which includes seniors, disabled individuals, those lacking childcare and those with other accessibility issues. Anyone who would like to schedule a time for a vaccine appointment should call (518) 447-7198.

Residents can also receive free Pfizer vaccines Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm, each week at the Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green Street. The 12+ population is eligible. No appointments are needed and walk-ins are welcome.  Those 12 to 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A follow up second dose clinic will be scheduled at the time of the first dose appointment. Free transportation is available for anyone at least 60 years old (and a caregiver), by calling the County Department for Aging at (518) 447-7198 in advance.

Albany County, CDPHP and Focus Churches of Albany are hosting weekly Pfizer vaccination clinics at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 275 State Street in Albany. On Friday, May 28, residents can get vaccinated between 10am and 1pm without an appointment. Those who are eligible include anyone at least 16 years of age. Second doses will be scheduled at the time of the first dose.

For those who would like additional information on vaccinations and vaccination clinics organized by Albany County, please use the link here. Residents who want to sign up for a shot at a state-run facility should use the state's website at the link here or call the state vaccine hotline at 1-833-697-4829. Walk-ins are now welcome at state-run facilities. For general information on the vaccine, residents can also dial the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s 2-1-1 hotline.

There are also various pharmacies across the county and the region offering vaccine appointments. Walmart pharmacy locations in Albany and Glenmont and the Sam’s Club in Latham are offering appointments for the Pfizer vaccine. Other Capital Region vaccination locations are in Troy, Schenectady, East Greenbush, Clifton Park, Amsterdam and Catskill. Anyone over 16 years old is now eligible. To make an appointment, please use the online registration at the link here.

Community-wide free testing continues on the University at Albany (SUNY) campus by appointment only for those with or without symptoms. Appointments may be made by calling the NYS hotline at 888-364-3065 or by visiting the State Department of Health website.
 
For those experiencing stress, anxiety or depression during the ongoing pandemic, the Albany County Mental Health Support Line is available seven days a week, from 8am to 5pm at (518) 269-6634. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency should still call the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team at (518) 549–6500. The 24-hour sexual assault hotline number is (518) 447-7716, and the free and confidential online text chat feature can be found at the link here.