The city of Pharr announced Wednesday it has received approval from the state of Texas to become a COVID-19 vaccine provider, the first municipality to do so in Hidalgo County.
According to a news release, the state may now distribute vaccines directly to the city of Pharr. Hidalgo County Hub providers such as UTRGV, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, and Hidalgo County Health Department will also be able to transfer vaccines directly to the city.
“With two medical professionals on our city commission, and with the support of the entire city leadership, we are constantly researching opportunities to do everything we can to ensure that our community’s health and safety remain at the forefront of every decision we make as we respond to this pandemic,” Pharr Commissioner Ramiro Caballero said in the news release. “Pharr continues to innovate in ways that will serve our residents and support the health and safety of our community, and we are proud to now be able to provide this service.”
Before being approved, the city had to go through an application and review process with the Texas Immunization Registry (IMMTRAC2), which required the purchase of a refrigerator for the storage of the vaccines.
The city spent approximately $5,000 for the equipment, as well as overtime training for city staff.
