UT Health RGV
COVID-19 Vaccine

UT Health RGV is committed to providing our community with the latest information on the COVID-19 Vaccine. Learn more about the vaccine, phased allocation, and view educational resources and frequently asked questions.

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Find COVID-19 Vaccine information on:

  • Facts
    • |
  • Distribution
    • |
  • Phases
    • |
  • Medical Conditions
    • |
  • Benefits
    • |
  • Safety
    • |
  • Locations
    • |
  • Booster
    • |
  • FAQs
Female patient wearing a mask while getting vaccinated by a UT Health RGV provider

What Should I Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Vaccines are vital to fighting deadly infectious diseases. When the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to you, we strongly encourage that you receive it.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. You may have side effects after vaccination, but these are normal. UT Health RGV will continue to share the latest updates on vaccine availability to best serve you and your family.

Is eligibility to receive the vaccine dependent on Texas Residency?

No, no one will be denied a vaccine by UT Health RGV based on residency or immigration status.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

UT Health RGV is administering the COVID-19 vaccine as directed by UT System. The FDA-approved Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for individuals 12-15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

All people aged 12+ can get a COVID vaccine, though UT Health RGV requires those aged 12-17 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

For the latest information on vaccine distribution, visit the Texas DSHS COVID-19 Vaccine website.

Request Vaccine Appointment

Elderly Male patient wearing a mask getting vaccinated by a UT Health RGV provider

COVID-19 Vaccine Phases

Updated as of August 26, 2021.

UTRGV and UT Health RGV continue to follow CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services guidance for vaccine allocation decisions, including identifying groups that should be vaccinated first to provide the most protection to vulnerable populations. This is subject to change and pending detailed guidance on prioritization for other qualifying populations.

QUALIFIED NOW

  • All People Age 12+ are able to get the COVID vaccine*
  • *People ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

Learn more about the vaccine, phased allocation, and view educational resources and frequently asked questions.

Download Vaccine Phases Infographic

FDA Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines

What to Expect After Getting Vaccinated

Qué se puede esperar tras vacunarse contra el COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

Adolescents Aged 12+
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 12 years and older to help protect against COVID-19 infection. Adolescents aged 12 years and older can currently get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Widespread vaccination is critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and ending the pandemic. People who are fully vaccinated can safely resume activities that they did before the pandemic. Learn more about what you and your teen can do when you have been fully vaccinated.

Request Vaccine Appointment

Children Aged 5-11
While the CDC has not yet recommended COVID-19 vaccines for children below the age of 12, Pfizer and BioNTech recently stated that their vaccine has shown to be safe and highly effective in children aged 5 to 11 years. The companies are currently applying for FDA emergency use authorization for this age group, which means vaccines could potentially be available to elementary school-aged children at some point this month (October). Until then, we ask all parents and guardians of children in this vulnerable population to remain vigilant by getting vaccinated and exercising caution throughout all daily activities and interactions.

Rest assured, we will continue to provide you with more information regarding the full rollout of COVID-19 booster shots and initial doses for children 5-11 as such directions are shared by federal and state officials.

For the latest updates, visit the CDC’s website on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children.

Details on Medical Conditions

People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness. Studies indicate some immunocompromised people don’t always build the same level of immunity after vaccination the way non-immunocompromised people do, and may benefit from an additional dose to ensure adequate protection against COVID-19.


Cancer

  • List of common cancers (CDC)

Diabetes, such as but not limited to:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Chronic kidney disease, such as but not limited to:

  • glomerulonephritis
  • polycystic kidney disease

Immunocompromised diseases and states, such as but not limited to:

  • HIV
  • cancer
  • weakened immune system from blood, bone marrow, or organ transplant
  • use of corticosteroids
  • use of other immune weakening medicines
  • use of stem cells for cancer treatment
  • genetic immune deficiencies

Chronic lung diseases, such as but not limited to:

  • asthma (moderate-to-severe)
  • cystic fibrosis
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
  • sleep apnea

Sickle cell disease

Chronic heart disease, such as but not limited to:

  • heart failure
  • coronary artery disease
  • cardiomyopathies

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Chronic neurological diseases, such as but not limited to:

  • List of common Neurological Disorders (Johns Hopkins Medical Center)

Obesity

  • Defined as having a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 and above.
    See BMI Calculator

Pregnancy

Female patient wearing a mask while getting vaccinated by a UT Health RGV provider

What Are the Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine?

The COVID-19 Vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated might prevent you from getting COVID-19 and keep you from becoming seriously ill or from developing serious complications.

Research indicates that COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications and lead to death in some people. If you get COVID-19, you could potentially spread the disease to family, friends, and others around you.

By getting fully vaccinated, you can help protect people around you from COVID-19, particularly people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Male physician wearing a mask while getting vaccinated by a UT Health RGV provider

Are the Vaccines Safe? Yes.

Yes, COVID-19 Vaccines are safe and effective. They prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 Vaccines, and these vaccines will undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is approved by the FDA and continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for individuals 12-15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

All three vaccines authorized or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been thoroughly tested and found to be safe and effective in preventing severe COVID-19. CDC continues to recommend everyone 12 and older get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Elderly female patient wearing a mask while getting vaccinated by a UT Health RGV provider

When and Where Can I Get the Vaccine?

UT Health RGV continues to work with federal, state, and local authorities to administer FDA-authorized and approved vaccines to people in the Rio Grande Valley. People aged 12+ can get a COVID-19 vaccine at the following UT Health RGV Primary Care locations:

  • UT Health RGV Vaccine Locations:

      *Active UTRGV faculty, staff, and students only

      Edinburg Vaccine Site:
      Tuesdays Only: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
      Dates: 10/5, 10/12, 10/19 and 10/26
      UTRGV CESS Room #1.300,
      1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539

      Harlingen Vaccine Site:
      Wednesdays Only: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
      Dates: 10/6, 10/13, 10/20 and 10/27
      UTRGV Clinical Education Building (HCEBL) Auditorium
      2102 Treasure Hills Blvd., Harlingen, TX 78550

      Brownsville:

      • V Express Care by UT Health RGV (H-E-B plus! - Brownsville)
      • UT Health RGV Student Health (Brownsville Campus) *

      Edinburg:

      • UT Health RGV John Austin Peña Memorial Center
      • UT Health RGV Multispecialty (Edinburg)
      • UT Health RGV Primary & Urgent Care (Edinburg)
      • UT Health RGV Pediatric Specialty
      • UT Health RGV Employee Health (Edinburg Campus) *
      • UT Health RGV Student Health (Edinburg Campus) *

      Harlingen:

      • UT Health RGV Multispecialty (Harlingen)
      • UT Health RGV Employee Health (Harlingen Campus) *

      Laguna Vista:

      • UT Health RGV Primary Care (Laguna Vista)

      Mercedes:

      • UT Health RGV/Knapp Family Health Center

      Mission:

      • V Express Care by UT Health RGV (H-E-B plus! - Mission)

      Weslaco:

      • UT Health RGV Internal Medicine (Weslaco)

      NOTE: People aged 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster (Third Dose)

Who Currently Qualifies?

UT Health RGV is currently only administering boosters and additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine according to CDC Guidelines. You can receive a booster or additional dose now if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • Anyone aged 65+ (at least 6 months after the second dose of Pfizer)
  • People aged 12+ who are moderate to severely immunocompromised (at least 28 days — or 4 weeks — from second dose of either Pfizer or Moderna)
  • People aged 18-64 with any underlying medical condition (at least 6 months after second dose of Pfizer)
  • All people aged 18+ with occupations that elevate their risk of exposure (at least 6 months after second dose of Pfizer)

For the latest on vaccine boosters and additional doses, including updates on eligibility, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot website.

Request COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

Who Needs an Additional COVID-19 Vaccine?

Currently, CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This includes people who have:

  • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear Search
Internal Portal
Public Registration
Distribution Process
Vaccine Facts
Post Vaccination
Updated: May 13, 2021

  • Do I qualify to receive the vaccine now?

      Updated: May 13, 2021

      As of May 12, ALL people aged 12 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.

      NOTE: Children aged 12-17 are currently only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

      Source: Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

  • How long does it take to complete the portal profile?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      Completing the form takes less than one minute. Submit yours now at utrgv.edu/vaccineportal or update your profile if you need to change something.

  • Why must every campus community member (faculty, staff, and student) immediately complete a Vaccine Portal profile?

      Updated: August 27, 2021

      Completing your profile not only helps us measure vaccine demand — it also helps us track our progress toward "Herd Immunity" within our campus community, a critical step in our return to more in-person operations.

      For those wishing to receive the vaccine, the vaccine portal is your first step. Once eligible and supply is available, your portal registration code will serve as your key towards selecting an appointment through our online scheduling platform.

      Current UTRGV students can now get a COVID-19 vaccine at Student Health locations in Edinburg and Brownsville, while employees can get theirs at Employee Health locations in Edinburg and Harlingen, and at Student Health in Brownsville.

      Walk-ups are welcome, though if you prefer to make an appointment, you may do so by registering via the UTRGV Vaccine Portal.

  • Can my family members also use the UTRGV Vaccine Portal to register now?

      Updated: May 13, 2021

      Family members cannot use the UTRGV portal since it is exclusively for UTRGV students, faculty and staff. However, your friends and family (depending on their age) can register for vaccination with UT Health RGV using the following links:

      • Children aged 12-15: https://uthealthrgv.org/minor-registration/
      • People aged 16 and older: https://uthealthrgv.org/vaccine/

  • Can incoming students (Freshmen, transfers, and graduate students) register through the UTRGV Vaccine Portal?

      Updated: May 13, 2021

      At this time, the UTRGV Vaccine Portal is only accessible to current UTRGV students, faculty, and staff. All incoming Freshmen, transfers, and graduate students (i.e. future-UTRGV students) who want the vaccine should register through the public-facing platform at uthealthrgv.org/vaccine/ when it reopens. The form is also available in Spanish . For reference, UT Health RGV is receiving and administering 2,300 doses each week.

      Now that all people in Texas aged 12 and older are eligible for vaccination, the main goal is to secure an appointment as soon as possible. We encourage everyone to accept the first vaccination opportunity you can get from an authorized distributor, even if it is not from UT Health RGV.

      Please use this map that tracks COVID-19 vaccine availability in Texas to help you find an authorized vaccine distributor who can serve you now.

      Thank you for your patience as we continue to promote the safety and success of our entire UTRGV Family.

  • Do I need to submit my vaccine portal profile if I already got vaccinated or plan to get vaccinated elsewhere?

      Updated: May 13, 2021

      YES! As of May 12, ALL people aged 12 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. Completing the form through the Vaccine Portal ( utrgv.edu/vaccineportal ) is quick, easy (takes less than one minute) so we recommend you fill it out now if you haven't already. Doing so will help the University gauge how many campus community members have been vaccinated, regardless of where you received it.

  • Should I submit my vaccine portal profile even if I’m healthy and not at high risk for severe illness?

      Updated: May 13, 2021

      YES! As of May 12, ALL people aged 12 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. We strongly encourage you to get vaccinated and completing the form through the Vaccine Portal ( utrgv.edu/vaccineportal ) is quick and easy (takes less than one minute). Completing a vaccine portal profile is crucial to gauging how many campus community members have been vaccinated or want the vaccine.

  • Do I need to submit my vaccine profile if I don’t want the vaccine?

      Updated: March 29, 2021

      YES! We still need you to indicate this through the Vaccine Portal (utrgv.edu/vaccineportal), as it will allow the University to gauge how many campus community members have been vaccinated or want the vaccine.

Updated: July 2, 2021

  • Where can I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      All People Age 12+ are able to get the COVID vaccine* (*People ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

      To request an appointment to receive your COVID-19 Vaccine at a UT Health RGV Primary Care location, complete our Request An Appointment form or call 1-833-UTRGVMD.

      We must all continue taking safety precautions to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes wearing a mask (especially if unvaccinated), frequent hand washing and sanitizing, and physical and social distancing.

  • How can I make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      To request an appointment to receive your COVID-19 Vaccine at a UT Health RGV Primary Care location, complete our Request An Appointment form or call 1-833-UTRGVMD.

  • If I already requested an appointment and have not received a call, do I have to request an appointment again?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      No. Please DO NOT submit the appointment form multiple times as doing so only hinders our ability to schedule those for vaccination.

  • If I scheduled an appointment but already received my vaccine elsewhere, can I give someone else my appointment spot?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      No. In fairness to the general public and to those who have already registered, we are not allowing registrants to trade or "donate" their appointments.

  • Can I just show up at a UT Health RGV Primary Care location as a walk-in to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      No. All vaccines are administered by appointment only.

  • Why must I register as a patient with UTRGV?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      UT Health RGV is a clinical enterprise. As such, we require all persons choosing to get vaccinated with us to register as our patient, just like any other private physician’s office would require.

Updated: July 2, 2021

  • Who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      All People Age 12+ are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine* (*People ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

      To request an appointment to receive your COVID-19 Vaccine at a UT Health RGV Primary Care location, complete our Request An Appointment form or call 1-833-UTRGVMD.

  • Is eligibility to receive the vaccine dependent on Texas Residency?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      No, no one will be denied a vaccine by UT Health RGV based on residency or immigration status.

  • Will I be asked for my Social Security number (SSN)?

      Updated: April 23, 2021

      Yes. As a participant in the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program, UT Health RGV is required to request certain information from patients, including a Social Security Number (SSN) and, if unavailable, a driver’s license/state ID number, solely for the purpose of confirming health insurance coverage. However, patients are NOT required to provide this information and no information will be shared with other government agencies (such as immigration authorities) or used for any other purpose.

      Our attempt to collect this information allows the federal government to reimburse vaccine providers for services rendered to uninsured patients, which helps ensure UT Health RGV’s ability to sustainably serve the public during this unprecedented vaccination effort.

  • Can I get vaccinated if I don’t have a social security number or choose not to provide it?

      Updated: April 23, 2021

      Yes. Having a social security number is not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and no one will be denied their shot if they choose not to provide such information to UT Health RGV.

  • Can I give my vaccine appointment to my parent/spouse/child who is high-risk and does not yet have a vaccination appointment?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      No. All vaccines are administered by appointment only and must be received by the registrant. All registrants should bring a photo ID (i.e. Driver’s License, school or workplace ID, etc.) and your health insurance card (if you are insured). There is no charge to the patient for the vaccine.

  • What can I do now to help protect myself from getting COVID-19 until I am able to get a vaccine?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      To protect yourself and others, follow these recommendations:

      • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
      • Stay at least 6 feet away from others
      • Avoid crowds
      • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
      • Wash your hands often

      Get more information about these and other steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

  • Can I get my COVID-19 vaccine doses at two different UT Health RGV locations?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      All patients who receive their first vaccine dose at a UT Health RGV site will be required to get their second dose at a UT Health RGV site.

  • I am considered high-risk and currently have COVID-19 — should I still get the vaccine?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      While it is recommended that high-risk individuals get vaccinated, those who are currently COVID-19 positive are advised to wait at least 90 days before receiving the vaccine.

  • Can I get vaccinated (first or second dose) if I am currently in quarantine?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      You must complete your quarantine and be cleared by your respective county health department before you may receive your first or second dose of vaccine. If you are a UTRGV student, staff, or faculty member, you must be cleared by the COVID-19 Response Team before returning to campus for any reason, including your second dose. Delaying the second shot does not seem to affect its efficacy, and you do not need to restart the vaccine series. Please contact UT Health RGV to reschedule your appointment after you are cleared from quarantine.

  • When can children under age 12 get vaccinated?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      Following the CDC's recommendation, UT Health RGV is now administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 12-17.

      Note: All minors (children under age 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

  • Do children (aged 12-15) need to provide a photo ID before getting vaccinated?

      Updated: May 19, 2021

      No, children aged 12-15 do not need to provide a photo ID but must provide their date of birth.

  • Do minors (ages 17 and younger) need to be accompanied by an adult during their vaccination appointment?

      Updated: May 19, 2021

      Yes, UT Health RGV requires a parent, legal guardian, or adult family member to accompany all minors during their COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

  • Who needs to sign the vaccination consent form for a minor?

      Updated: May 19, 2021

      A parent or legal guardian must sign the vaccination consent form.

  • What documentation must be presented during a minor’s vaccination appointment?

      Updated: May 19, 2021

      Accompanying adult person need only present a valid form of photo ID (i.e employee ID, library card, or driver’s license) and proof of insurance (if insured).

      Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , COVID-19 vaccination providers cannot:

      • Charge anyone for the vaccine.
      • Charge anyone directly for any administration fees, copays, or coinsurance.
      • Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network.
      • Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination.
      • Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

      However, COVID-19 vaccination providers can:

      • Charge health insurance plans (if vaccine recipient is insured) a vaccine administration fee.
      • Seek reimbursement for uninsured vaccine recipients from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s COVID-19 Uninsured Program.
      • Appropriately bill for any additional healthcare services that may be provided during a vaccination appointment.

Updated: July 2, 2021

  • Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time?

      Yes. Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.

      Providers can find specific information about giving a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time in the 2021-2022 FAQ section for Health Care Providers.

  • Does the COVID-19 vaccine have the coronavirus in it?

      No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development or in use in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. While there are several different types of vaccines in development, the goal for each of them is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

  • What can I do now to help protect myself from getting COVID-19 until I am able to get a vaccine?

      Updated: March 24, 2021

      To protect yourself and others, follow these recommendations:

      • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
      • Stay at least 6 feet away from others
      • Avoid crowds
      • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
      • Wash your hands often

      Get more information about these and other steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

  • Will I still be protected from COVID-19 if I don’t go back for the second shot?

      While the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose, some vaccines (i.e. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) need two shots to be most effective. That said, we don’t fully know how effective a single shot for the vaccine would be in the long run or how long the immunity would last.

  • Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant?

      Updated: March 29, 2021

      Yes. However, we recommend that pregnant individuals always consult their obstetrician before making any health-related decision.

      For more information, visit this CDC page about the COVID-19 vaccines for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • If I have an underlying condition, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

      Updated: March 24, 2021

      People with underlying medical conditions can receive a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

  • Is a COVID-19 vaccine currently available for children?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      All People Age 12+ are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine* (*People ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

      To request an appointment to receive your COVID-19 Vaccine at a UT Health RGV Primary Care location, complete our Request An Appointment form or call 1-833-UTRGVMD.

      Learn more about how these COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are made.

  • Should I get vaccinated if I am in a high-risk category (diabetes, age, asthmatic, etc.)?

      Yes. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended people aged 16 years and older who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to underlying medical conditions get the COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals in these high-risk categories (Phase 1B) are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. Please see COVID-19 Vaccine Phases for more information.

  • Can I get vaccinated against COVID-19 while I am currently sick with COVID-19?

      Updated: March 24, 2021

      No. People with COVID-19 who have symptoms should wait to be vaccinated until they have recovered from their illness and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation; those without symptoms should also wait until they meet the criteria before getting vaccinated. This guidance also applies to people who get COVID-19 before getting their second dose of vaccine.

  • Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?

      Updated: July 2, 2021

      Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The vaccines meet FDA’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization (EUA).

      Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines, and these vaccines will undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. This monitoring includes using both established and new safety monitoring systems to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

  • Do I need to wear a mask when I receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

      Yes. CDC recommends that during the pandemic people wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth when in contact with others outside your household, when in healthcare facilities, and when receiving any vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove a mask without assistance should not wear a mask. For more information, visit considerations for wearing masks.

  • How many doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine will I need to get?

      The number of doses needed depends on which vaccine you receive. To get the most protection

      • Two Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine doses should be given 3 weeks (21 days) apart.
      • Two Moderna vaccine doses should be given 1 month (28 days) apart.
      • Johnson & Johnsons Jansen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine requires only one dose.

      If you receive a vaccine that requires two doses, you should get your second shot as close to the recommended interval as possible. However, your second dose may be given up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose, if necessary. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval.

      People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses.

  • How long does protection from a COVID-19 Vaccine last?

      We don’t know how long protection lasts for those who are vaccinated. What we do know is that COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people. If you get COVID-19, you also risk giving it to loved ones who may get very sick. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer choice.

      Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

      Related page:

      • Vaccines Work

  • What happens if I become sick after receiving the vaccine?

      All three vaccines currently authorized for use in the United States (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) were found to be very effective with no serious safety concerns in clinical trials. Only mild side effects that are common in most vaccines, including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headache were reported.

      Each vaccine recipient will be monitored by a medical provider for at least 15 minutes after the vaccine is administered. Per the CDC, all major incidents, including allergic reactions, have taken place within 15 minutes of vaccination.

  • If I already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?

      Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. If you were treated for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

      Experts do not yet know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called “natural immunity,” varies from person to person. It is rare for someone who has had COVID-19 to get infected again. It also is uncommon for people who do get COVID-19 again to get it within 90 days of when they recovered from their first infection. We won’t know how long vaccine-induced immunity lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines work.

      Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are working to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

  • Do I have to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine?

      Updated: April 5, 2021

      No, you do not have to pay to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.

      Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 vaccination providers cannot:

      • Charge you for the vaccine.
      • Charge you directly for any administration fees, copays, or coinsurance.
      • Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network.
      • Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination.
      • Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

      However, COVID-19 vaccination providers can:

      • Charge your health insurance plan (if you are insured) a vaccine administration fee (though providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill.)
      • Seek reimbursement for uninsured vaccine recipients from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s COVID-19 Uninsured Program.
      • Appropriately bill for any additional healthcare services that may be provided during your vaccination appointment.

  • Am I required to get the vaccine?

      While the vaccine is not currently mandatory, it is highly recommended. The vaccine is expected to help protect those who receive it and slow the spread of COVID-19.

  • Can I choose which vaccine I receive?

      No, you cannot choose which vaccine you'll receive. All vaccines are administered based on availability and we encourage you to take the vaccine that is currently being offered. All three of the vaccines that have been authorized for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) may be administered to people aged 18 years and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently authorized for people aged 12 years and older.

  • Does immunity after getting COVID-19 last longer than protection from COVID-19 vaccines?

      The protection someone gains from having an infection (called natural immunity) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person. Since this virus is new, we don’t know how long natural immunity might last. Current evidence suggests that reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection.

      Regarding vaccination, we won’t know how long immunity lasts until we have a vaccine and more data on how well it works. Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are trying to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

Updated: August 6, 2021

  • Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I have received 2 doses of the vaccine?

      Updated: August 2, 2021

      As a Texas public institution, regardless of vaccination status, the use of face coverings in university buildings are strongly encouraged but cannot be required.

      Additional recommendations for when you’ve been fully vaccinated can be found on the CDC’s website.

  • When are you considered "fully vaccinated"?

      Updated: April 5, 2021

      According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are considered fully vaccinated:

      • 2 weeks after receiving the second dose in a 2-dose series (i.e. Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) or
      • 2 weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine (i.e. Johnson & Johnson vaccine)

      If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

  • If I have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but was vaccinated, am I required to quarantine?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      According to CDC guidelines, vaccinated persons exposed to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive individuals may not have to quarantine if they meet all of these criteria:

      • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., = 2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or = 2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
      • Are within 3 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
      • Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure

      For more information about this and other post-vaccination recommendations from the CDC, click here.

  • Can I safely travel after getting vaccinated?

      Updated: April 5, 2021

      According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can:

      • Resume domestic travel (within the United States) and do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.
      • Do not need to get tested before leaving the United States (unless required by the destination) or self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States.

      However, fully vaccinated travelers should still follow CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely including:

      • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
      • Stay 6 feet from others and avoid crowds.
      • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.

  • Will I need a vaccine booster?

      Updated: August 6, 2021

      As of now, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) are not recommending additional vaccination doses for individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. We continue to monitor for further guidance.

After scheduling your appointment, you will receive a call from our Vaccine Team. In order to ensure you pick up our call, please save our phone number: 1-833-UTVACN8 / 1-833-888-2268.

For additional questions regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine, please email covidvaccine@utrgv.edu, or visit CDC Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination.