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CODE BLUE: Schenectady County has declared Code Blue in effect from Friday, December 20th through Monday, December 23rd at 7:00 am, as temperatures are forecasted below freezing.   View Code Blue Shelters

COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing

Anyone can get COVID-19 and get sick. Some people with underlying health conditions and the elderly are at higher risk for severe illness or even death. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 can protect your health and the health of your family and friends. 

  • Stay up to date on your COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others who are sick
  • Practice good hand hygiene, wash your hands, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Know the symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested if you are sick
Get Tested

Get Tested

Find where you can get tested or purchase an at-home COVID-19 test kit.

What to Do if You Test Positive

What to Do if You Test Positive

Learn about what to do if you test positive for COVID-19

Get Vaccinated

Get Vaccinated

Build a strong defense against COVID-19 and stay up to date on your vaccine

COVID-19 Testing

If you are sick and have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, get tested. Knowing that you have COVID-19 is the first step to minimizing the spread of COVID-19 to friends, family, and co-workers. 

Testing sites are widely available in New York State at health centers or select pharmacies.  Contact your healthcare professional or use the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Test Site Finder to find a testing site near you. You can also purchase an at-home COVID-19 Test Kit at your local pharmacy. 

Order Your 4 Free At-home COVID-19 Tests

Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests. COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others. Your order of COVID tests is completely free – you won’t even pay for shipping.

Generic COVID-19 Self-test box

Order online: 

  • If you are able to use the standard tests, you can order them through using the regular form on at COVIDtests.gov
  • More accessible tests (for people with low vision or low manual dexterity) can be ordered through a special web page within COVIDtests.gov. (To ensure that these tests are reserved for people who truly need them, the link to this special page will not be published on the COVIDtests.gov home page.)

Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests?
Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)

As COVID-19 Home test kits become more available the FDA is continuously monitoring the expiration dates to make sure they are accurate. Before throwing away a test where the box says the test is expired check on the testing company's website to see if the expiration date has been extended.

What to Do if  You Test Positive for COVID-19

 

  • Stay home and separate from others
  • Call your healthcare provider and follow their instructions
  • Wash your hands often and avoid sharing personal household items
  • Wear a high-quality mask when around other people

The best way you can prevent getting someone sick, is by isolating yourself, even if you've had the vaccine.

New York State is following the Center for Disease Control's isolation guidance. Access the NYS Affirmation of Isolation Form on the New York State Department of Health website. This Attestation Form allows you to specify your isolation start and end dates based on the guidelines provided by the New York State Department of Health. 

Isolation Attestation Form
Calculate Your Isolation and Explosure

Latest Information About COVID-19

Center for Disease Control
New York Department of Health

COVID-19 Vaccine

Getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine and staying up to date on your boosters is your best defense against severe illness caused by COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in pharmacies, clinics, and Federally Qualified Health Centers like Hometown Health.

Schenectady County COVID-19 POD Schedule

The Schenectady County COVID-19 SiCM Vaccine Site and At-Home Vaccination are temporarily paused until Friday, May 10, 2024

Call 518-386-2824 to find out about COVID-19 Vaccine Availability

Fridays 9:30am-11:30am (Paused until Friday, May 10, 2024)
(closed on county holidays)

Walk-ins welcome (Ages 2+).
Schenectady Community Ministries - SiCM
837 Albany Street, Schenectady 12307
This vaccine site is temporarily paused until Friday, May 10, 2024.

Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
By Appointment Only, call 518-386-2824
Schenectady County Public Health Services
107 Nott Terrace, Suite 100, Schenectady, NY 12308

At-Home Vaccination: (Paused until Friday, May 10, 2024)

Can't make it to a POD? Call 518-386-2824 ext.1270, Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, or leave a message with your contact information and we'll get back to you to schedule an appointment. 
At-home vaccination is temporarily paused until Friday, May 10, 2024. Please call 518-386-2824 for more information.

Do you have questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine? Visit the Center for Disease Control website for the most up-to-date frequently asked questions.

CDC Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccination

 

Learn more about additional COVID-19 vaccines here.