The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is offering COVID-19 vaccinations to any UTRGV students 16 and older starting Monday, according to a text sent to students Thursday afternoon.
The move comes after the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced Tuesday that all people aged 16 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine starting March 29.
On a first come, first serve appointment basis, UT Health RGV will begin vaccinating all campus community members. In an email sent to students, Guy Bailey said UTRGV simplified the process to request a vaccine to three simple steps:
>> First, students are asked to log in here with their UTRGV credentials, which will log them on to the UTRGV Vaccine Portal. There will be an option to choose one out of four statuses. After selecting a status, students are asked to then click the “Submit Information” button.
>> If students choose to receive the vaccine, then they will receive an appointment email, depending on their place in line and vaccine supply. The email will allow students to choose an appointment in Brownsville (starting April 6), Edinburg or Harlingen.
>> The final step is for students to ensure they keep their appointment, so they can receive the first dose, then schedule their second dose. The school noted that missing an appointment may cause students to restart the registration process.
Currently, UT Health RGV is receiving and administering 2,000 vaccine doses each week. Due to the DSHS expansion, UT Health RGV has requested additional doses.
“Please stay patient as they work to safely and efficiently vaccinate all students, faculty, and staff who want the vaccine as soon as possible,” Bailey wrote in the email.
On March 5, UTRGV’s Deputy President and Interim Provost Dr. Janna Arnery mentioned the university is planning a return to campus for the fall semester.
“If we can successfully vaccinate all willing individuals by late May, we may reopen campus for traditional operations in time for the start of Summer Session I on June 1,” Bailey stated in the email. “We will still offer online and hybrid classes through both Summer Sessions.”
Until then, Bailey stated everyone should expect to continue following all of UTRGV’s health and safety protocols, including the proper use of face coverings.
“While I am optimistic about achieving our goals, we still have work to do,” Bailey stated in the email. “Returning to campus requires a commitment to safety and success from each of us. Please do your part to ensure everyone can have the opportunity to pursue their unique UTRGV experience.”
Find more COVID news at https://myrgv.com/coronavirus.
