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, 74.7% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 67.4% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 84.5%. 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 33,317 to date, with 104 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 131.6. 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 rate is now up to 5.2% and the Capital Region’s average rate is now up to 6.8%.

There are now 649 active cases in the county, down from 674 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,203 from 1,255. So far 103,637 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 32,668 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 122 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were nine new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are a total of 33 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus. Five of those hospital patients are in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. Unfortunately, there is one new COVID death to report – a woman in her 90’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 439 since the outbreak began.

“My deepest sympathy to the latest Albany County family who has lost a loved one to COVID-19. Sadly, I have reported COVID deaths many days in the last week and new daily positive cases in the triple digits for nearly that many. With the holiday season underway, I am afraid we will continue to see this and a greater spike in new infections,” said County Executive McCoy. “We look at the data and we look at the facts. It tells us that overall, those who are vaccinated, should they contract the virus, experience less severe symptoms and are less likely to be hospitalized. Boosters are needed because we also know that the effectiveness of the vaccines wanes over time. Do the right thing to protect your family, friends and the community by getting your shot or your booster and get a COVID test before heading to a holiday gathering to make sure you are doing everything you can in the battle against the virus. It is flu season and I also encourage you to get your flu shot.” 

Upcoming School-Based Vaccination Clinics (please note that all vaccinations are by appointment only. Scheduling for pediatric shots for the 5-11 population will be handled by individual schools directly with parents of students from those specific schools. Pfizer 12+ 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and booster shots, as well as Moderna 18+ 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and booster shots will be available by appointment as well):

• Monday, November 22, from 4:30 to 7pm
o Guilderland Elementary School, 2225 Western Ave, Guilderland
o Register for appointments at the link here.

• Tuesday, November 23, from 4:30 to 7pm
o Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School, 100 Elbel Ct, Albany
o Register for appointments at the link here.


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.