McALLEN — The city, school district and Hidalgo County partnered to host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic Friday, but the pre-registration will occur Thursday morning in person and online.
The clinic will be held Friday at the McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd., starting at 8 a.m. for all pre-registered individuals in Tier 1A and Tier 1B categories.
Pre-registration begins at 10 a.m. Thursday and can either be done via drive-thru at the McAllen Performing Arts Center Parking Lot or online at www.mcallen.net/preregisterhere, city officials said in a news release Thursday.
Entrance for onsite registration is on Ithaca and 29th streets.
“Face masks are required while interacting with City of McAllen staff at all times,” city officials said.
Attendees will also be pre-screened and have their temperature checked prior to pre-registration. Those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have been directly exposed to someone who has tested positive or pending COVID-19 test results are asked not to attend.
“The City of McAllen is pleased to be able to offer the first of many COVID-19 vaccine clinics for our residents,” McAllen Mayor Jim Darling said. “I encourage everyone who is eligible to register for this important vaccine and I ask the rest of the community to be patient as we continue to receive more doses so that we are able to vaccinate all individuals in our community and county. In the meantime, please continue to practice all COVID-19 safety protocols, especially wearing a mask, for the protection of others and yourselves.”
The clinic will follow state protocol that targets healthcare workers, but those employees must provide proof that they work in the healthcare industry.
The clinic also targets anyone born before 1955. Those 18 and older with certain medical conditions are eligible to be vaccinated with the advice of their doctors, city officials added.
Based on previous vaccine clinics held throughout Hidalgo County, McAllen officials are advising the following:
- Bring ID and proof of medical condition (current medication, a prescription from their doctor)
- Bring clearance letter from their physician
- People are encouraged to bring water and snacks
- There could be periods of waiting and sitting in your vehicle
- Children 18 and under should not be in the clinic
- Those seeking vaccines with mobility concerns may bring one person to help them
Vaccines will be administered by McAllen Independent School District nurses and Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department nurses.
