Hidalgo County to administer second doses of Moderna vaccine

Vaccine clinic to be held at PSJA Memorial High

 

Hidalgo County officials announced Monday that second doses of the Moderna vaccine will be administered at local health clinics Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In a news release, the county confirmed that residents eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine can begin getting inoculated with the second dose beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

According to the release, residents must return to the same clinic where they received their first dose in order to get the second, and should have an appointment card given to them at the first inoculation to speed the process.

County health officials are also partnering with the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District to distribute a “limited number of doses” of the Moderna vaccine Tuesday, but pre-registration will be held at the school Monday afternoon.

Wristbands will be distributed at PSJA Memorial Early College High School in Alamo, 800 S. Alamo Road, starting at 5 p.m., Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez announced in a news release Monday.

Hidalgo County Health and Human Services will begin administering the vaccinations on Tuesday beginning at 8 a.m. for those who received a wristband the day prior.

The vaccines will be distributed to healthcare professionals, anyone 65 years and older, and anyone 18 years and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:

  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
  • Solid organ transplantation
  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

“Anyone 18 and over, not including 65 years and over or healthcare workers, wanting to receive the vaccine will need to show up with medications, prescriptions, or doctor’s note for proof of conditions outlined above,” the news release stated.

Health officials also suggest 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 will be extended periods of waiting and sitting
  • Children 18 and under should not be in the clinic
  • Those seeking vaccines with mobility concerns may bring one person to help them
  • If pregnant or lactating, have cancer or undergoing any immunosuppressive treatment or medication you must bring a doctor’s notice allowing you to receive the vaccine
  • Notices of U.S. doctors only
  • Short sleeve encouraged