Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today on the county’s progress on administering and distributing COVID vaccines and controlling the spread of the Coronavirus. As of yesterday, 60.8% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 52.9% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 71.6%. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 52%, and full vaccination rate of 44.1%. 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 24,287 to date, an increase of 18 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives increased from 17.6 to 18.4. 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 up to 1.1%, and the Capital Region’s rate is still 1.1%.

Among the new cases of Coronavirus, seven had close contact with positive cases, 10 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate living setting. There are now 108 active cases in the county, up from 105 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 297 from 306. So far, 79,258 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,179 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 15 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there was one new hospitalization 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. 

“We have a number of vaccination clinics coming up across Albany County, and while our goal is to bring vaccines directly to local neighborhoods, we know some people may need to travel a longer distance to get there. If you don’t have reliable access to transportation, Uber and Lyft are now offering free or discounted rides to those going to vaccination appointments in partnership with the Biden Administration,” said County Executive McCoy. “I want to thank our corporate partners for their commitment to our community and the fight against COVID-19.”

Upcoming Albany County COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:

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

Northern Rivers Family of Services 
60 Academy Road, Albany, NY
Thursday, May 27, 12:30pm – 3pm
Pfizer 1st dose – must be at least 12 years old. A follow up 2nd dose clinic will be scheduled at the time of the 1st dose appointment
For registration assistance, call (518) 579-3501

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 is now 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 in advance at (518) 447-7198.

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.
 
County Executive McCoy continues to highlight other options for getting tested across Albany County with local partners. Please visit the Albany County website at the link here for a full list of locations, eligibility and types of tests. Residents who are experiencing symptoms or those who are worried they may have been exposed to COVID-19 are encouraged to register for an appointment.