HARLINGEN — Relief.
That emotion reigned with a sort of passionate intensity Wednesday as 600 teachers, administrators and other Harlingen school district staff members waited to receive their first COVID-19 vaccine.
According to district officials, employees lined up at Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South to receive the Moderna shot. Cameron County provided the vaccines through Josh Ramirez, public health director for the City of Harlingen.
“It’s a relief and it’s definitely a blessing to be able to take it through the district,” said Genaro Garcia, computer technician at Bowie and Jefferson elementary schools.
When Garcia learned of the vaccination, he jumped at the opportunity.
“I heard there was a clinic today to get it,” he said. “As soon as they told us this week I was really excited.”
At Harlingen South, school district nurses worked diligently to administer vaccines to those patiently waiting their turn.
Superintendent Alicia Noyola was delighted to see so many finally receiving some protection against COVID-19, and she observed a change occurring with so many.
“I hear a different tone in their voices,” Noyola said. “They seem like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. They have carried a heavy load educating students in the COVID pandemic.”
Blanca Estrada has carried that load this past year teaching her pre-K students at Jefferson Elementary School. It’s been challenging, yet she had been hesitant to receive the shot because of the many controversies surrounding it.
But on Wednesday, she waited her turn to receive the vaccination.
“I talked to my colleagues and a few family members,” she said. “Because we’re working with children we have to do it, not only for ourselves, but for the children.”
School administrators also waited for their vaccination.
Elizabeth Bauer, an assistant principle at the Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy, thanked the district for the vaccination clinic.
“I’m proud to be part of a district that cares about us,” said Bauer, who cradled her five-week-old daughter Kenedy while awaiting for her injection.
“I have three kids,” she said. “I am here with the baby. It’s a step in the right direction for our district, community and our nation to be vaccinated.”
Noyola thanked Andrew Zamorategui, owner of Care RX Pharmacy, for vaccinating about 300 school district employees this past weekend.
“They called us when teachers were moved up the priority list,” she said. “They have played a tremendous part in getting us to this point.”
