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, 78.4% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 71.2% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 87.5%. 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 37,857 to date, with 218 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 209.8. 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 cases per 100,000 is now up to 56.4 and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is now up to 62.4.
 
There are now 906 active cases in Albany County, up from 776 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine jumped up to 1,701 from 1,535. Of those who have completed quarantine to date, 36,951 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 57 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were ten new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are 63 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net increase of two. Seven of those hospital patients are now in ICU’s, up from six yesterday. Unfortunately, there was one new COVID death to report – a woman in her 50’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 465 since the outbreak began. 
 
“Sadly, I have to report another COVID death in Albany County, and my condolences go out to the latest family. The data continues to show that the vaccine substantially reduces the risk of serious illness and hospitalization from the virus, and we need more people to get the shot. Among the 63 county residents who are in hospital right now, 63% are not vaccinated and only 27% are fully vaccinated,” said County Executive. 
 
“Booster shots offer the best protections against the COVID variants, and we’re working to make them available to as many people as possible ahead of the holidays. Tomorrow, I’m proud to partner with Sheriff Apple on a booster POD at the County Department of Health for county employees and the general public. While we strongly encourage everyone to sign up ahead of time to help with logistics, we will also be allowing for walk ups,” he continued.
 
The free COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic will be Wednesday December 22 at the Albany County Health Department at 175 Green Street from 9am to 3pm. Please note that only boosters will be available and are for those who have received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months after the date of their second vaccination, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months after their first vaccine. Registration is available at the link here. 
 
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. Aside from Wednesdays, appointments are now required, which can be made at the link here.  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.
 
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.
 
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. 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.