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.

Register for your Vaccine

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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. As of Monday, March 29, 2021, everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. UT Health RGV continues to work hard to ensure that everyone who wishes to be vaccinated has the opportunity. We look forward to serving you and your family.

For the latest information on the different phases of the vaccine, visit the Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Information website.

Elderly Male patient wearing a mask getting vaccinated by a UT Health RGV provider
COVID-19 Vaccine Phases Infographic
Learn more about the vaccine, phased allocation, and view educational resources and frequently asked questions.

Texas DSHS COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Guiding Principles and Phase Definitions:

Phase 1A

Phase 1B

Phase 2 - Coming Later

Download Vaccine Phases Infographic

FDA Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines

What to Expect After Getting Vaccinated

COVID-19 Vaccine Phases

Updated as of March 29, 2021.

UTRGV and UT Health RGV are following the guidance of the CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services 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 16+ and older

Phase 1A - QUALIFIED NOW

  • Physicians
  • Nurses
  • Respiratory Therapists
  • Physician's Assistants
  • Health Care Facility Support Staff
  • Laboratory Technicians
  • Pharmacists
  • Other Patient-Facing Clinical Staff
  • Long-term Care Facility Staff
  • EMS 9-1-1 Care and Transport
  • Home Health Care and Hospice Workers
  • Residents of Long-term Care Facilities
  • Front-line Vaccination and Testing Staff
  • Last Responders
  • Funeral Home Workers
  • Medical Examiners
  • School Nurses

Phase 1B - QUALIFIED NOW

NEW EXTENSION: Those who work in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools, as well as Head Start and Early Head Start programs, (including teachers, staff, and bus drivers) and those who work as or for licensed child care providers, including center-based and family care providers.

People Age 65+

People Age 16+ with at least one qualifying chronic medical condition including:

  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Immunocompromised diseases
  • Chronic lung diseases
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Chronic heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic neurological diseases
  • Obesity (BMI 30 and above). See BMI Calculator
  • Pregnancy

Phase 1C - QUALIFIED NOW

People Age 50+ and older

Details on Medical Conditions

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?

COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications and lead to death in some people. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. If you get COVID-19, you could spread the disease to family, friends and others around you.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body without you having to become sick with COVID-19.

A COVID-19 vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19. Or, if you get COVID-19, the vaccine might keep you from becoming seriously ill or from developing serious complications.

Getting vaccinated also might 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. 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.

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

When and Where Can I Expect To Get the Vaccine?

UT Health RGV has been working with federal, state and local authorities, as well as area hospitals on plans for the Rio Grande Valley, including how the FDA-authorized vaccines will be distributed and the order in which people may receive the vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be limited and will be prioritized based on guidance from the CDC, which recommends vaccinating healthcare workers, first responders and support staff. As the vaccine is distributed across the country and worldwide, we will have additional information about distribution at selected UT Health RGV locations.

Please remember, these vaccines give us hope, but the vaccine alone will not end the pandemic. We must all continue taking safety precautions to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes wearing a mask, frequent hand washing and sanitizing, and physical and social distancing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear Search
Internal Portal
Public Registration
Distribution Process
Vaccine Facts
Post Vaccination
Updated: April 27, 2021

  • Do I qualify to receive the vaccine now?

      Updated: March 26, 2021

      As of March 29, ALL people aged 16 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.

      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: March 17, 2021

      Your safety and well-being are our primary concern, and the vaccine is the best way to ensure our campus community remains healthy. You are essential to UTRGV’s success. This portal registration process allows us to administer the vaccine to those wanting it and account for those who have already received it. Completing your profile through the vaccine portal not only helps us measure vaccine demand — it also helps us track our progress toward "Community Immunity," 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.

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

      Updated: April 27, 2021

      Family members cannot use the UTRGV portal since it is exclusively for UTRGV students, faculty and staff. However, they can register through https://uthealthrgv.org/vaccine/ for anyone aged 16 and older.

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

      Updated: March 30, 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 16 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: March 29, 2021

      YES! As of March 29, ALL people aged 16 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: March 29, 2021

      YES! As of March 29, ALL people aged 16 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: March 17, 2021

  • When will the vaccine be available to me?

      Updated: March 29, 2021

      As of March 29, ALL people aged 16 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. However, our supply of COVID-19 vaccines is still limited. We are diligently working to secure more doses, though we do not have a definite time frame for when our supply will be in balance with the current demand.

      That said, we highly encourage you to accept the vaccine wherever you are offered an appointment by an authorized distributor. If you do get vaccinated at a non-UT Health RGV location, you will not be allowed to get your second dose with UT Health RGV. Please see this map that tracks COVID-19 vaccine availability in Texas.

  • How do I register for the vaccine?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      All new registrations have been paused until supply catches up with demand. If you want to register, we recommend regularly checking the form’s status at uthealthrgv.org/vaccine/. The form is also available in Spanish.

  • If I already registered and have not received an appointment, do I have to register again?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      No. When registrations re-open, please DO NOT register again, as doing so only hinders our ability to schedule those who currently qualify for vaccination.

  • If I registered and already received my vaccine elsewhere, can I give someone else my spot?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      In fairness to the general public and to those who have already registered, we are not allowing registrants to trade or "donate" their appointments.

  • If I’ve already registered, when can I expect to get a vaccination appointment?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      UT Health RGV is currently receiving and administering approximately 2,300 doses each week. That said, it is difficult to provide all registrants with an estimated appointment date. However, when we get to you, you will get an email with a unique link to schedule your preferred appointment time. If you’ve already registered, don’t worry – this does not change your registration status. We will continue to provide you with regular updates regarding our progress and vaccine availability.

  • I forgot to add something to my registration form. Can I update it or have someone at UTRGV update it?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      Due to overwhelming registration numbers, we are pausing all new submissions, including updates to previously submitted registration forms. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented vaccination effort.

  • I registered to get vaccinated but was notified that my preferred location is no longer available — why is that?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      Locations and dates vary based on the vaccine we receive and the refrigeration it requires. In some instances, we may only be able to offer a specific location due to these requirements. If you choose to decline a vaccine based on location, date, or other criteria, you will remain on our waiting list, but we cannot guarantee a call back due to the high volume of requests. If you are offered a vaccination appointment at a UT Health RGV site, you should make every effort to attend, no matter the location.

  • If I received the first dose and UTRGV is out of vaccines, will I receive my second dose?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      Yes. If you have already received your first dose, rest assured you will receive your second (booster) dose at a UT Health RGV location. However, if you have already received your first dose and were NOT scheduled for your second dose, please contact us at 1-833-UTVACN8 or covidvaccine@utrgv.edu as soon as possible.

  • Can I just show up to a vaccine site as a walk-in?

      Updated: March 29, 2021

      No. All vaccines are administered by appointment only. That said, DSHS has directed vaccine providers to immediately accommodate people 80 years old or older who present themselves at a vaccine site, whether or not they have an appointment.

      Source: Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

  • Can I register even if registration is closed and I qualify under the current phases?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      No, you cannot register when the form is closed. However, if you want to register, we recommend regularly checking the form’s status at uthealthrgv.org/vaccine/. The form is also available in Spanish.

  • Why is an appointment required?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      We provide appointments to expedite the vaccine process and prevent our patients from having to wait in long lines, overnight, or standing for extended periods.

  • Why must I register as a patient with UTRGV?

      Updated: March 17, 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: April 23, 2021

  • How is vaccine distribution determined and who decides who gets it first?

      Updated: March 29, 2021

      To date, Texas has opened up vaccine eligibility according to the following timeline:

      • March 29, 2021: Everyone 16 years old and older
      • March 15, 2021: Phase 1C (people 50 to 64 years of age)
      • March 3, 2021: Schools and licensed child care personnel
      • December 29, 2020: Phase 1B (people 65+ or people 16+ with a health condition that increases risk of severe COVID‑19 illness)
      • December 14, 2020: Phase 1A (front-line healthcare workers and residents at long-term care facilities)

      NOTE: 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.

      Source: Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

  • 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 distribution sites?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      All patients who receive their first vaccine dose at a UT Health RGV site will be required to get their second dose (booster) at a UT Health RGV site. Additionally, we are only administering booster doses to those who received their first dose at UT Health RGV. Even if you were told by another provider that you may obtain the second dose from UT Health RGV, that is not accurate. The supply of booster doses we receive correlates to the number of first doses administered, meaning all second doses are already accounted for by those receiving their first dose at UT Health RGV.

  • 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.

  • Should I look for other opportunities to get vaccinated while I wait for an appointment with UT Health RGV?

      Updated: March 17, 2021

      While we are diligently working to secure more doses of vaccines, we do not have a definite time frame for when our supply will be in balance with the current demand. That said, we highly encourage you to actively pursue other opportunities for vaccination. However, if you do get vaccinated at a non-UT Health RGV location, you will not be allowed to get your second dose with UT Health RGV. Please see this map that tracks COVID-19 vaccine availability in Texas.

Updated: April 5, 2021

  • 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: March 29, 2021

      No. At this time, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for people aged 16 years and older, while both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for people aged 18 years and older. However, both Pfizer and Moderna are currently conducting COVID-19 vaccine trials in children.

      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?

      All the COVID-19 vaccines being used have gone through rigorous studies to ensure they are as safe as possible. Systems that allow CDC to watch for safety issues are in place across the entire country.

      The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines that have been shown to meet rigorous safety criteria and be effective as determined by data from the manufacturers and findings from large clinical trials. Watch a video describing the emergency use authorization. Clinical trials for all vaccines must first show they meet rigorous criteria for safety and effectiveness before any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines, can be authorized or approved for use. The known and potential benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine must outweigh the known and potential risks of the vaccine. Learn more about how federal partners are ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.

  • 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 shots of COVID-19 vaccine will be needed?

      While the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose, the other two currently authorized vaccines to prevent COVID-19 in the United States require two shots to get the most protection:

      • Pfizer-BioNTech doses should be given 3 weeks (21 days) apart
      • Moderna doses should be given 1 month (28 days) apart

      If you are receiving either of these two-dose vaccines, you should get your second shot as close to the recommended 3-week or 1-month interval as possible. However, there is no maximum interval between the first and second doses for either vaccine. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval.

      Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines.

  • Will there be enough vaccine for everyone?

      Currently, three vaccines are authorized and recommended to prevent COVID-19 in the United States. To help guide decisions about how to distribute limited initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccine, CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have published recommendations for which groups should be vaccinated first. It is understandable how concerning this may be for people, especially for those who are at increased risk for serious illness from this virus and for their loved ones.

      The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available. That is why, early in the response, the federal government began investing in select vaccine manufacturers to help them increase their ability to quickly make and distribute a large amount of COVID-19 vaccine. This will allow the United States to start with as much vaccine as possible and continually increase the supply in the weeks and months to follow. The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available. Several thousand vaccination providers will be available, including doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers.

  • How long will the COVID-19 vaccine protect us for?

      The protection someone gains from having an infection (called natural immunity) varies depending on the disease and from person to person. This virus is new and we still don’t fully know how long natural immunity may last. Some early evidence seems to suggest that natural immunity may not last very long, as some people have been infected multiple times only months apart.

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

  • 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 approved for authorized 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 approved for people aged 16 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: April 5, 2021

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

      Updated: March 24, 2021

      It depends. For now, fully vaccinated people can gather indoors without physical distancing or wearing masks with:

      • Other people who are fully vaccinated
      • Unvaccinated people from one other household, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19

      Until more is known, fully vaccinated people should continue to wear masks and stay 6 feet apart from other people in other settings, like when they are in public or visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households.

      Additional recommendations can be found at When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated.

  • 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.

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