Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today provided the latest update on the county’s progress on vaccinations and controlling the spread of the Coronavirus. As of yesterday, 73.9% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 67.3% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 84.4%. More information on vaccination rates around the state can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker at the link here.
 
County Executive McCoy announced that the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 32,635 to date, with 70 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 101. 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 rate is now up to 4.6% and the Capital Region’s average is up to 5.6%.

Among the new daily cases of COVID identified in the county, 15 had close contacts to positive cases, 52 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, two reported traveling out of state, and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate living setting.  There are now 617 active cases in the county, down from 633 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,168 from 1,196. So far 102,060 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 32,018 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 82 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were no new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now a total of 33 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of two. Eight of those hospital patients are in ICU’s, up one from yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 433 since the outbreak began.

“There is some good news in today’s data, as we report no new COVID hospitalizations and once again, no new deaths. Now that parents are able to get their children vaccinated – including at state-run mass vaccination sites – we will see our overall vaccination rates continue to rise. This will only help us reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent more hospitalizations and casualties,” said County Executive McCoy. “I encourage all parents to consult with their pediatricians or trusted healthcare professionals on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine so we can continue to move our community forward.”

Parents and guardians can make appointments at state mass vaccination sites here.  Additionally, parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their child's pediatrician, family physician, health centers, pharmacies or other providers for vaccination information and to schedule appointments. 

Residents can also receive free Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines (including booster shots) Monday through Friday, 9am - 3pm, each week at the Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green Street. No appointments are needed and walk-ins are welcome.  Anyone eligible to receive a COVID vaccine booster dose and would like to receive one from the Albany County Department of Health will be required to provide their vaccination card or the Excelsior Pass Plus in order to view the formula type, lot number and date of the inoculation. More information on the booster dose can be found at the New York State website here.

Those 12 to 15 years old who would like a COVID vaccine shot 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 continues to deliver 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.
 
For those who would like additional information on vaccinations and vaccination clinics organized by Albany County, please use the link here. Residents who want a shot from 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 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 or the Albany County Department of Health at (518) 447-4580.

COVID-19 testing continues to be available throughout Albany County and the Capital Region. Help finding a testing site near you can be found at the New York State website here and the Albany County website here.