Frequently Asked Questions
To submit a question for FAQs, please email WelcomeBack@utrgv.edu.
The answers to FAQs may change over time. Please consult this FAQ page for the most up-to-date information.
Campus Operations
Rest assured that our Infectious Disease Outbreak Committee, comprised of health and safety experts at the local, state, and UT System level, is closely monitoring the pandemic and will recommend adjustments based on the safety and health of our campus community.
Please regularly check your UTRGV email, text messages, and utrgv.edu/commitment for the latest updates on campus operations.
There are no local, state, or federal health mandates that the university can enforce, but we are strongly encouraging all students, faculty, and staff to follow these Campus Protocols that are proven to mitigate exposure to COVID-19, including the delta and omicron variants. Following these protocols are your best defense regardless of what those around you, including colleagues and students, choose to do.
Additionally, UTRGV continues to:
- Provide vaccines at all Student Health and Employee Health locations.
- Provide COVID-19 testing at all student health locations.
- Stock high-traffic buildings with hand sanitizer and sanitation wipe stations.
- Conduct daily enhanced cleaning of high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces.
- Modify and/or upgrade all UTRGV buildings, based on ASHRAE COVID-19 Building Readiness and Reopening Guidelines, to address the potential for aerosol dispersion by HVAC systems.
For more information, view the Protocol for building ventilation and air conditioning systems.
No, you cannot. Under Executive Order GA-38, neither vaccinations nor proof of vaccination can be required for learning or working on campus. While Executive Order GA-38 does not directly prohibit asking about vaccination status without requiring proof, UTRGV has determined it is in the best interest of the campus learning and working environments to promote a balance of personal responsibility and trust that honors each person’s right to privacy and to self-disclose based on their comfort level. We believe our students, faculty, and staff will be responsible, will carefully consider their actions and how their choices affect others and will do their part to mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Social distancing is not being enforced on campus and spaces have returned to full capacity. UTRGV strongly encourages all campus community members to get vaccinated, wear face coverings, and maintain a safe distance from others (whenever possible) to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 throughout our campus community.
No. As a Texas public institution, UTRGV cannot currently require/mandate anyone to wear face coverings. However, the university strongly encourages students, faculty, staff, and visitors to continue wearing face coverings, particularly to help slow the spread of the delta and omicron variants. Being vaccinated and wearing a face covering is your best defense regardless of what those around you choose to do.
Yes, you can ask and strongly encourage, but everyone has a right to choose not to do so because UTRGV cannot require the wearing of face coverings. If a person refuses to wear a face covering, you can still protect yourself by wearing your own face covering and by getting vaccinated.
That decision does not impact UTRGV or UTRGV’s Math and Science Academy. UTRGV, as a state public university, cannot mandate face coverings but continues to strongly encourage them.
Reusable face coverings and hand sanitizers may be purchased at the nearest vending machine for a nominal cost. Listed below are the buildings that have vending machines with reusable face coverings and hand sanitizers:
| Brownsville Campus | |
| BLHSB 1st floor | 6 |
| BLHSB 2nd floor | 6 |
| BMAIN 2nd floor | 1 |
| Edinburg Campus | ||||
| EHABE | 44 | ESTAC 1st floor | 14 | |
| EHPE I | 29 | ESTUN 1st floor | 17 | |
| ELABS 1st floor | 34 | ESTUN 2nd floor | 17 | |
| EMEBL Library | 59 | EUREC 1st floor | 61 | |
| ENGR 1st floor | 21 | Heritage Hall | 26 | |
| EREBL (SOM) Lobby | 58 | Unity Hall Lobby | 50 | |
| ESCNE 1st floor | 31 | University Library | 33 | |
| ESSBL 1st floor | 11 |
Reference the building numbers on our Brownsville and Edinburg campus maps.
Note: Departments may request COVID-19 supplies (including disposable face coverings and hand sanitizers) through iShop for departmental use.
We are focused on cleaning all high-contact public spaces and surfaces, like entrance door handles, doorknobs, light switches, counters, faucets, paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers, toilet paper dispensers, toilet partition latches/handles, stair handrails, open seating areas, benches, and elevator controls.
Additionally, disinfectant wipes are available at each academic space to clean your personal area.
In addition, the services under Standard Cleaning Procedures remain:
- Daily Service: General cleaning continues via standard procedures.
- Trash pickup - Common areas such as classrooms, lobbies, break rooms, conference rooms, hallways, breezeways, etc.
- Sweeping, mopping, dusting, and vacuuming of all common areas.
- Restrooms - cleaned and serviced.
- Clinical locations - cleaned and serviced.
- Inspect and service all wall mounted sanitizers and portable wipes stands. Refill as needed.
- Provide on-call service for campus emergencies and/or department needs.
- Weekly Service: Private/personal spaces such as offices and cubicles.
- Empty trash cans and remove material labeled as trash.
- Sweep and/or dust mop hard surfaces.
- Vacuum and spot clean carpeted floors.
- Dust all furniture, countertops and shelves not obstructed by paperwork.
- General wipe downs/spot cleaning of all doors, frames, and entry glass.
- Monthly / Quarterly
- Window cleaning.
- Floor waxing and polishing.
- Carpet extractions.
Enhanced Cleaning Procedures
Enhanced cleaning procedures have been added to help disinfect high touch surfaces more frequently.
- Daily - Additional focus is spent on all high contact public spaces and surfaces such as entrance door handles, doorknobs, light switches, counters, faucets, paper towel, soap, and toilet paper dispensers, toilet partition latches/handles, stair handrails, open seating areas, benches, and elevator.
- Nightly - General cleaning of areas, such as clinics and/or high traffic contact areas in all campus buildings occurs during evening.
If you have questions about the sanitation of classrooms as we make efforts to continue guarding our campus community against the pandemic, contact Facilities at one of the email addresses or phone numbers below.
Edinburg campus: ED-FBS@utrgv.edu; (956) 665-2748
Brownsville campus: BR-FBS@utrgv.edu; (956) 882-5900
To address the potential for aerosol dispersion by HVAC systems in UTRGV buildings, modifications and/or upgrades are being implemented in all UTRGV facilities, based on ASHRAE COVID-19 Building Readiness and Reopening Guidelines.
For more information, please view the Protocol for building ventilation and air conditioning systems
Brownsville Campus
Visit the TSC Recreation Center to learn more about the programs and services offered.
Edinburg Campus
University Recreation (UREC) enforces all UTRGV protocols and does the following:
- Cleans all equipment hourly and disinfects twice a day.
- Encourages users to clean machines before and after each use.
- Offers a variety of in-person, hybrid, and virtual programming.
- Hybrid and in-person programming require pre-registration via IMLeagues for Intramural Sports and Group Exercise.
- Shares content via UREC social media pages (i.e. Outdoor Adventures on YouTube @UTRGVUREC).
All adjustments to UREC programs and services are subject to change and will be communicated to all UREC members. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us via phone at (956) 665-7808 or email urec@utrgv.edu.
Please see the list of Campus Services for more information.
All international travel is still considered “High Risk”. As such, all international university business travel is still not allowed.
However, requests for exceptions to international travel for educational, medical, research, or business purposes can be made. All requests must be reviewed and approved by the International Oversight Committee (IOC) before travel can be booked. Each request will be reviewed according to its own merits and risk mitigation planning. Please critically consider any travel request in terms of:
- COVID-19 infection rates in the destination country or region
- Category of traveler (i.e., undergraduate student, graduate student, faculty, staff)
- Timing of proposed travel
- Ability to enter the destination country
- Safety and suitability of quarantine facilities outside the USA
- Potential for additional expenses (ex. Cost of adding up to several weeks of quarantine abroad)
- Ability to undertake proposed activities and return to campus safely
- On-the-ground support outside the USA, including the destination country’s health infrastructure, logistical arrangements, and all other associated risks.
Domestic Travel
Personal travel within Texas and the United States does not require the completion of the travel form. Travel to the United States’ five permanently inhabited territories (Puerto Rico, U.S., Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa) is considered Domestic Travel. Prior to traveling, please check to see if there are any State travel restrictions.
International Travel
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
If an employee chooses to travel internationally and is required to self-isolate upon return to the US, per CDC guidelines, the employee will need to utilize Vacation Leave during this isolation period, if not approved to work remotely.
Living in or commuting from border cities
Members of the UTRGV community who reside or must make frequent trips to Mexico border cities abutting the Rio Grande Valley Counties are not required to complete the travel form. Personal International Travel guidance should be followed for travel beyond the border cities.
Recommended for Events
- If an event must stay indoors, please be mindful of our masking recommendations and consider a larger space to allow for social distancing.
- Decisions about whether to go forward with events will be made by college, school, or departmental leadership.
- Effective March 30, 2022, catering is no longer required to be "grab-and-go" (pre-packaged). Event organizers may decide at their discretion how food and beverages are packaged, distributed, and consumed during an event.
At all times, a department hosting an in-person event is responsible for:
- Being prepared to transition to virtual, postpone, or cancel the in-person event if the threat of COVID-19 community spread increases or in the event of inclement weather/emergency.
- Promoting compliance with our Campus Protocols found on the UTRGV Welcome Back website.
For questions, please contact the Return to Campus Events/Gatherings Committee at Events@UTRGV.edu.
Screening and Testing for COVID-19
No. Based on guidance from our medical community and Infectious Disease Committee, it was decided that a single, point-in-time test that could be invalid immediately after testing would not substantially protect the campus community.
We recommend utilizing the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator to determine what to do next.
To use the Quarantine and Isolation Calculator:
- Click "Get Started" and answer the questions appearing on your screen.
- If you make a mistake, you can clear the calculator by clicking "Restart".
- Depending on your symptoms and/or vaccination status, you may not have to quarantine, isolate, or get tested.
- If your answers suggest that you get tested for COVID-19, the tool will refer you to the nearest testing-partner location based on your provided zip code.
We will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines and testing services at various UT Health RGV locations.
Don’t come to campus, and utilize the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator to determine what to do next.
To use the Quarantine and Isolation Calculator:
- Click "Get Started" and answer the questions appearing on your screen.
- If you make a mistake, you can clear the calculator by clicking "Restart".
- Depending on your symptoms and/or vaccination status, you may not have to quarantine, isolate, or get tested.
- If your answers suggest that you get tested for COVID-19, the tool will refer you to the nearest testing-partner location based on your provided zip code.
In all scenarios, it is everyone’s responsibility to communicate with their supervisors or instructors should the situation impact their ability to fulfill work or academic duties. As always, for any specific health concerns, students and employees are encouraged to contact their primary care physician or reach out to Student Health or Employee Health Services for guidance or care.
"Close contact" means that a person has been within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, even when wearing a mask.
If you are fully vaccinated and do not have any symptoms of COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine but are recommended to be tested 5-7 days after your exposure.
Don’t come to campus, and utilize the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator to determine what to do next.
To use the Quarantine and Isolation Calculator:
- Click "Get Started" and answer the questions appearing on your screen.
- If you make a mistake, you can clear the calculator by clicking "Restart".
- Depending on your symptoms and/or vaccination status, you may not have to quarantine, isolate, or get tested.
- If your answers suggest that you get tested for COVID-19, the tool will refer you to the nearest testing-partner location based on your provided zip code.
In all scenarios, it is everyone’s responsibility to communicate with their supervisors or instructors should the situation impact their ability to fulfill work or academic duties. As always, for any specific health concerns, students and employees are encouraged to contact their primary care physician or reach out to Student Health or Employee Health Services for guidance or care.
Individuals engaging in domestic travel (business or personal) are not required to self-isolate or quarantine as a result of their travel unless they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
UTRGV, following CDC guidelines, allows business-related travel:
- within the state of Texas for those vaccinated or unvaccinated.
- outside the state of Texas for those fully vaccinated (14 calendar days since your last vaccine dose).
Failure to follow the CDC guidelines when engaging in domestic business travel may lead to disciplinary action. Proof of vaccination is currently not required.
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Please visit the current Travel Protocols for guidance and reporting processes.
If an individual conducts personal travel internationally and is required to self-isolate upon return to the United States, per CDC guidelines. If the individual is a UTRGV employee and not approved to work remotely, they will need to utilize Vacation Leave during this isolation period.
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and familiarize yourself with UTRGV's current Travel Protocols.
Business international travel continues to not be allowed at UTRGV.
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and familiarize yourself with UTRGV's current Travel Protocols.
If this person is your student/employee, you should make arrangements to help the student/employee complete their academic requirements/work assignments.
Advise them to not come to campus, and utilize the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator to determine what to do next.
To use the Quarantine and Isolation Calculator:
- Click "Get Started" and answer the questions appearing on your screen.
- If you make a mistake, you can clear the calculator by clicking "Restart".
- Depending on your symptoms and/or vaccination status, you may not have to quarantine, isolate, or get tested.
- If your answers suggest that you get tested for COVID-19, the tool will refer you to the nearest testing-partner location based on your provided zip code.
In all scenarios, it is everyone’s responsibility to communicate with their supervisors or instructors should the situation impact their ability to fulfill work or academic duties. As always, for any specific health concerns, students and employees are encouraged to contact their primary care physician or reach out to Student Health or Employee Health Services for guidance or care.
There are several types of COVID-19 tests and ways you can access them:
Community-Based Testing Sites
Free or low-cost COVID-19 testing is available to everyone in the U.S., including the uninsured, at select pharmacies, retailers, and health centers nationwide. The process and locations for COVID-19 testing vary from place to place.
FREE At-Home Tests
At-home tests, or self-tests, are available for free across the country to everyone, regardless of insurance status. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 2 sets of 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
Order Free At-Home Tests by Mail
If you have private insurance coverage, you can order online, to a pharmacy, or to a store to buy a test and get reimbursed through your insurance.
- If you are charged for your test, keep your receipt, and submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.
- Private insurance companies are required to reimburse up to 8 tests per month per individual on an insurance plan.
If you have Medicaid coverage, you can access at-home COVID tests at no cost through the guidelines established by the state Medicaid program. State Medicaid and CHIP programs are required to cover FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 tests.
If you have Medicare coverage, you can access testing through your health care provider or local pharmacist or pick up free at-home tests at local pick-up locations. Learn more about this program.
Student FAQs
- Visit my.utrgv.edu.
- Click Class Schedule under the Resources section.
- Select the term you wish to view in the Search by Term drop-down menu and click Submit.
- Search for the class you want to view.
We are prepared to alter our plans if the medical guidance suggests we do so. UTRGV will do its best to keep everyone safe and maintain course modalities.
If you are concerned about being on-campus, we strongly encourage you to follow our Campus Protocols, which include getting vaccinated and wearing a face covering at all times, to help ensure your health and safety on campus.
As always, if you have a documented health or medical condition that impacts a major life activity requiring academic accommodations, please reach out to Student Accessibility Services at 956-665-7005 / 956-882-7374 or ability@utrgv.edu.
- Students should contact their instructor or supervisor to request arrangements while they are not able to access campus. Instructors are encouraged to exercise flexibility, work with the student to make up any missed class assignments, and not count the absence against their attendance policy.
- Employees are encouraged to talk to their supervisor to make arrangements.
The student should visit with their instructor(s) first.
The student may also reach out to the following resources for assistance:
- The Office of Student Success offers:
- Express advising via Zoom, through which undergraduate students can get their questions answered on the spot.
- A student may schedule an advising appointment.
- A student may also speak with one of our Success Gurus via Zoom, from Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., to be connected with our various campus resources.
- The Office of Student Life and Dean of Students offers virtual office hours.
- The student's respective College Dean.
Contact your program director to inquire if your respective clinical site has specific requirements related to COVID-19 testing, being vaccinated, and the use of a face covering. Requirements are determined by each clinical site, so reach out to your program director for guidance.
Note, all health students participating in health care under conditions where they may be exposed to blood or body fluids or in close contact (under 6 feet) for more than 15 minutes, will need student health insurance. For questions about health insurance, the students should contact their program director.
View these Resources for Working Remotely for information on computer labs, map of WiFi access points, and more.
Below are locations on campus that can accommodate students who need a place to log on and attend an online class.
Please respect others who may also be attending class online in the vicinity by using headphones and muting your microphone unless otherwise needed for course participation.
Brownsville Campus Map
|
Location |
Building Code |
Map Code |
|---|---|---|
| Cavalry - Lounge | BCAVL | 13 |
| Interdisciplinary Academic Building - Lobby | BINAB | 29 |
| Music, Science & Learning Center - Lobby | BMSLC | 28 |
| Student Union PlainsCapitol Bank - El Comedor | BSTUN | 8 |
| Student Union PlainsCapitol Bank - La Sala | BSTUN | 8 |
| University Library - Study Rooms | BLIBR | 3 |
Edinburg Campus Map
|
Location |
Building Code |
Map Code |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering - Lobby | EENGR | 21 |
| Interdisciplinary Engineering & Academic Building - Lobby | EIEAB | 67 |
| Interdisciplinary Engineering & Academic Building - Study Rooms | EIEAB | 67 |
| Medical Education (School of Medicine) - Study Rooms | EMEBL | 59 |
| Science Building | ESCNE | 31 |
| Student Academic Center - Study Lounge | ESTAC | 14 |
| Student Union - Food Court | ESTUN | 17 |
| University Center - Atrium | EUCTR | 15 |
| University Library - Study Rooms | ELIBR | 33 |
Harlingen Campus Map
|
Location |
Building Code |
Map Code |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Education Building - Ramirez Library Study Rooms | HCEBL | HCEBL |
Outdoors
Outdoor public spaces (i.e. courtyards, lawns, etc.) are also available, provided students can sufficiently access their course(s) and perform all requirements in such locations.
Visit our Study Spaces on Campus page for a full list of available locations.
Please visit the COVID-19 Financial Aid FAQs.
All students, including those who are commuting from Mexico, were able to choose face-to-face, hybrid or online courses based on the overall course offerings of the university.
Please see ICE Guidelines for Academic Year 2021-22 for international students.
As per the Student Travel policy (STU 01-300), student travel that is sponsored by UTRGV and located more than 25 miles from the campus from which the travel originated, must be approved by the Office of the Dean of Students before any trip can take place.
Student travel as defined by this policy, must have a designated travel coordinator. They are responsible for submitting all travel documents and reporting incidents that may occur.
The following documents must be completed and sent to the Office of the Dean of Students for review:
- Authorization for Student Travel Request Form.
- A Release and Indemnification Agreement for each student attending.
- If more than ten (10) students are in attendance, a group roster should be included.
In addition, please be advised that all travelers must comply with URTGV protocols related to COVID-19. Failure to follow the CDC guidelines when engaging in domestic business travel may lead to disciplinary action. Proof of vaccination is currently not required.
* NOTE: STU 01-300 does not apply to a student:
- Engaging in class assignments, student-teaching, internships, practicums, observations or research,
- Attending an out-of-town athletic event (unless associated with the athletic team),
- Participating in travel related to their university employment.
To learn more about the Student Travel policy, procedures, and necessary forms, click here.
No. While instructors can require the standard medical clearance documentation and/or documentation from the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team that a student was sick and unable to attend class, they cannot ask a student for proof of a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis.
Accommodations for Students
Accommodations will be determined on an individual basis. For in person or hybrid courses, accommodations may include, but are not limited to, attendance flexibility and remote participation, unless it would be a fundamental alteration. A fundamental alteration is a change that significantly alters the essential course or program requirements.
At Risk Students - Students who by diagnosis are immunosuppressed or, because of a medical treatment plan, including medication, may have a suppressed immune system. Current CDC guidance for elevated risk from COVID-19 includes those at high-risk for severe illness. According to the CDC, high-risk for severe illness includes those of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as individuals with:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic Lung Diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
- Dementia or other neurological conditions
- Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
- Down Syndrome
- Heart Conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)
- HIV Infection
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
- Liver Disease
- Overweight and obesity (BMI of 25 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- Smoking, current or former
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
- Substance use disorders
Please refer to the CDC website for frequently updated information.
A student considered at risk and seeking accommodations should include documentation from their medical provider that describes the impact of the condition and risk factors and limitations due to COVID-19.
For more information, contact Student Accessibility Services.
A positive diagnosis of COVID-19 or being requested to isolate or quarantine by a health professional is not in itself sufficient to meet the definition for receiving ADA accommodations. It may be possible for a student to continue their education remotely while they isolate or quarantine, wait for results, recuperate if asymptomatic, or experience minor symptoms that do not alter one or more life activity. However, this can be addressed based on each instructor’s attendance policy, which can differ depending on the course, so please check each course syllabus. Instructors may excuse absences, provide the opportunity to complete assignments, and provide a reasonable time to complete the assignment(s) in order for the student to make up the work that occurred during the missed class period(s).
If a student encounters health or medical complications as a result of COVID-19 that impact the student’s ability to continue his/her education, medical documentation which indicates impact on a major life activity as a result of the diagnosis should be provided to Student Accessibility Services so that reasonable accommodations can be evaluated for each course. The student should submit a request for accommodations through the mySAS portal located at www.utrgv.edu/mySAS.
An instructor can require documentation that the student was sick and could not come to class, however, an instructor should not ask for a diagnosis. There are other illnesses that a student may have and other reasons for excused absences besides illness, including absences for official university activities. If an absence is excused, students should be given the opportunity to complete the missed assignments, quizzes/examination or other class work and provided a reasonable time after the absence to do so.
Faculty FAQs
We are prepared to alter our plans if the medical guidance suggests we do so. UTRGV will do its best to keep everyone safe and maintain course modalities.
If a student is concerned about being on-campus, we strongly encourage the student to get vaccinated and wear a face& covering at all times.
As always, if the student has a documented health or medical condition that impacts a major life activity requiring academic accommodations, the student should reach out to Student Accessibility Services at (956) 665-7005 or (956) 882-7374 or ability@utrgv.edu.
The student should visit with their instructor(s) first.
The student may also reach out to the following resources for assistance:
- The Office of Student Success offers:
- Express advising via Zoom, through which undergraduate students can get their questions answered on the spot.
- A student may schedule an advising appointment.
- A student may also speak with one of our Success Gurus via Zoom, from Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., to be connected with our various campus resources.
- The Office of Student Life and Dean of Students offers virtual office hours.
- The student's respective College Dean.
Advise the student to not come to campus and to utilize the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator for further guidance. You should not disclose this information to others, including your Chair or Dean.
The instructor should encourage all students to maintain best practices of refraining from attending class when sick, notifying their instructor, and utilizing the CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator to determine appropriate action.
As with all situations where students experience extended illness or other emergencies, we encourage faculty members to consider an incomplete for students who are on track with coursework prior to falling ill when there is no way the student can complete the remaining work in the allotted time frame. If the faculty member is unable to get in contact with the student, the faculty member should reach out to the Dean of Students Office for guidance, as they may have access to additional context relevant to the student's case. In some limited situations, the student's best interest might be best served by requesting a medical withdrawal from all courses in a given semester. Please know that a medical withdrawal may result in the student owing financial aid funds.
The risk for an individual faculty member is very low. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, UTRGV and its employees are immune from tort (negligence) claims, except in instances where physical injury or death occurs as a result of the negligent operation of motor-driven vehicles or equipment, or as a result of the use of tangible personal property. Further, if a suit is filed against a UTRGV employee based on conduct within the scope of their employment, the suit should be considered to be against the employee in their official capacity only, and UTRGV will act to make sure the institution (and not the faculty member) is named in the suit.
Social distancing is not being enforced, and classroom capacity has returned to 100%. If you are concerned, we strongly encourage you to follow our Campus Protocols, which includes getting vaccinated and wearing a face covering at all times, to help ensure your health and safety on campus.
Social distancing is not being enforced, and classroom capacity has returned to 100%. If you are concerned, we strongly encourage you to follow our Campus Protocols, which includes getting vaccinated and wearing a face covering at all times, to help ensure your health and safety on campus.
Unfortunately, introducing a synchronous component can cause potential conflicts in students’ schedules. Faculty should work with their students to ensure they understand real-time interactions such as office hours or study sessions are not required, and they will set up alternatives for students if those activities conflict with other commitments the students have. Related questions should be directed to the chair/director.
If a faculty member is able to work remotely, they should work with their immediate supervisor to make any necessary arrangements.
If the faculty member needs to take leave to care for themselves or a dependent, then the faculty member should make sure that their immediate supervisor is informed as soon as possible. Their immediate supervisor will work with their department and/or dean’s offices to make sure the appropriate leave is applied to the faculty member’s time away, and that a back-up instructor temporarily covers the class while the faculty member is on leave.
Yes, you may ask and strongly encourage students to wear face coverings in class, but everyone has a right to choose not to do so because we cannot require the wearing of face coverings. If a person refuses to wear a face covering, you can still protect yourself by wearing your own face covering and by getting vaccinated.
Office hours must be available for students and clearly posted on your syllabus. The modality for those office hours is up to the faculty member. The faculty member may elect to meet students and other visitors in the classroom, a conference room, outdoors, or online.
Contact your departmental administrative support staff/requester, who can request COVID-19 supplies (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, disposable face coverings, and re-usable face coverings) via iShop using the "Return to Work Supplies" form.
Departmental administrative support staff/requesters, submit a separate requisition per campus (Brownsville and Edinburg) and use the following accounting codes when completing the iShop cart(s):
Commodity Codes:
53131626 - Hand sanitizer
46182001 - Masks or accessories
47131803 - Household disinfectants
The "Return to Work Supplies" form allows requesters to choose from which Central Receiving location they would like to pick up the supplies. Once the request is approved in iShop, the supplies may be picked up from Central Receiving within the requested dates.
For questions about ordering COVID-19 supplies, contact ishop@utrgv.edu or (956) 665-2161.
No. While instructors can require the standard medical clearance documentation and/or documentation from the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team that a student was sick and unable to attend class, you cannot ask a student for proof of a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis.
Technology
The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) and the Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT) offer resources for faculty regarding how to teach safely in hybrid and face-to-face learning environments.
Visit the Faculty & Success Diversity or Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) webpages to learn more about current offerings. There is also a Teaching Continuity site with information and video recorded training.
Larger classrooms (100+ seats) have a wireless mic that can be used. Sanitizing materials are available.
Microphones are available to loan to faculty. To request:
- Fill out a Service Request (utrgv.edu). IT has a very limited supply which can be loaned out for the semester on a first come, first-served basis.
- Contact your department to request a portable microphone. Here is a portable microphone that departments or faculty may purchase for their use, either through departmental funds or out-of-pocket.
For support, please contact: Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology
Specific classroom technology and maximum seating capacities for the classrooms can be found through the Classroom Technology Equipment Inventory link.
For classroom support, please call (956) 665-2020 or (956) 882-2020, or go to Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology.
Though all classrooms have connectivity, there are 90 classrooms scheduled for enhanced Zoom upgrades and these will have moveable webcams for the podium.
All other classrooms with podiums have non-moveable webcams at the podium and can be used for Zoom. A list of rooms that will be equipped with webcams, as well as the seating capacity, can be found here: Classroom Technology Equipment Inventory.
Please call or go to Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology for classroom support.
Classroom support is provided for day and evening classes.
For support, please contact the 24/7 Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT) Help Desk at:
Brownsville
Casa Bella (BCASA) 613
(956) 882-6792
(956) 882-2020
Edinburg
Education Complex (EEDUC) 2.202
(956) 665-5327
(956) 665-2020
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Yes, all UTRGV faculty, staff, and students are automatically granted access to utilize Zoom online video and audio conferencing. For additional information on Zoom and its capabilities, please visit the UTRGV Zoom for Instructors resource webpage.
Yes, there is guidance on teaching and learning in online environments. The Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT) and the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) both offer support for best practices in developing learning environments. Additional information related to proctoring and recording classes online classes can be found in the following links:
- The Online Education Taskforce offers guidance in the Online Learning Student Privacy & Related Issues FAQ, which does not supersede institutional policies.
- Recording of Classes – Considerations and Guidance
View the Resources for Working Remotely for information on computer labs, map of WiFi access points, and more.
There are 5,000 concurrent VPN connections allowed. Connection is first come, first served. Please see knowledge article on how to create a VPN connection. All UTRGV laptops should have DirectAccess which negates the need to manually create a VPN connection. UTRGV desktop computers being used off campus can also have the DirectAccess policy applied by having the user submit a Service Request, including the computer name and asset tag number.
For more information and guidance, please visit Continuity Resources for Faculty, Staff, and Students for COVID-19 Situation.
Accommodations for Faculty
Workplace accommodations are granted to assist an employee to perform their essential duties in accordance with ADM 03-200: Accommodations for individuals with Disabilities. If your doctor recommends working remotely as a possible accommodation, it will be reviewed by Human Resources during the ADA process.
Age alone is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act/Amendments Act (ADA/ADAAA) and would not qualify you for a workplace accommodation to work remotely. We encourage employees who have a disability or serious health condition to contact the Office of Human Resources for assistance or to request accommodations.
Employees should discuss their circumstances directly with their supervisors to determine if a remote work arrangement is possible. Supervisors are expected to evaluate the situation, discuss the issue with Human Resources, if needed, and communicate the decision with the affected employee. For leave questions, contact leave@utrgv.edu.
For additional questions, please contact hrpartners@utrgv.edu.
It is imperative that requests to help or care for a family member with a serious health condition be filed as a request for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA). If approved, FMLA allows you to take time off work to care for your family member. It will not provide approval for you to work remotely to avoid possibly contracting COVID-19 at work. However, you may submit a request to your supervisor to work remotely.
For any leave related questions, please contact leave@utrgv.edu.
Faculty should address any questions and/or concerns primarily with their immediate supervisor. If additional support and guidance is needed, they may contact the Office of the Faculty Ombuds at facultyombuds@utrgv.edu. For questions about workplace accommodations, please contact HRpartners@utrgv.edu.
Accommodations for Students
Accommodations will be determined on an individual basis. For in person or hybrid courses, accommodations may include, but are not limited to, attendance flexibility and remote participation, unless it would be a fundamental alteration. A fundamental alteration is a change that significantly alters the essential course or program requirements.
At Risk Students - Students who by diagnosis are immunosuppressed or, because of a medical treatment plan, including medication, may have a suppressed immune system. Current CDC guidance for elevated risk from COVID-19 includes those at high-risk for severe illness. According to the CDC, high-risk for severe illness includes those of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as individuals with:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic Lung Diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
- Dementia or other neurological conditions
- Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
- Down Syndrome
- Heart Conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)
- HIV Infection
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
- Liver Disease
- Overweight and obesity (BMI of 25 or higher)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- Smoking, current or former
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
- Substance use disorders
Please refer to the CDC website for frequently updated information.
A student considered at risk and seeking accommodations should include documentation from their medical provider that describes the impact of the condition and risk factors and limitations due to COVID-19.
For more information, contact Student Accessibility Services.
A positive diagnosis of COVID-19 or being requested to isolate or quarantine by a health professional is not in itself sufficient to meet the definition for receiving ADA accommodations. It may be possible for a student to continue their education remotely while they isolate or quarantine, wait for results, recuperate if asymptomatic, or experience minor symptoms that do not alter one or more life activity. However, this can be addressed based on each instructor’s attendance policy, which can differ depending on the course, so please check each course syllabus. Instructors may excuse absences, provide the opportunity to complete assignments, and provide a reasonable time to complete the assignment(s) in order for the student to make up the work that occurred during the missed class period(s).
If a student encounters health or medical complications as a result of COVID-19 that impact the student’s ability to continue his/her education, medical documentation which indicates impact on a major life activity as a result of the diagnosis should be provided to Student Accessibility Services so that reasonable accommodations can be evaluated for each course. The student should submit a request for accommodations through the mySAS portal located at www.utrgv.edu/mySAS.
An instructor can require documentation that the student was sick and could not come to class, however, an instructor should not ask for a diagnosis. There are other illnesses that a student may have and other reasons for excused absences besides illness, including absences for official university activities. If an absence is excused, students should be given the opportunity to complete the missed assignments, quizzes/examination or other class work and provided a reasonable time after the absence to do so.
Staff FAQs
We continue to safely return our workforce back to campus. Divisional leads and supervisors are working together to best determine when and how employees return to campus.
We understand that some employees may need to continue working from home based on a variety of factors, such as specific health conditions. Please work directly with your supervisor regarding your unique circumstance or contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@utrgv.edu.
The Office of Human Resources provides information and guidance for issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For information on appointments, benefits, employee assistance, wellness and leave, visit the HR COVID-19 Resources page.
Contact your departmental administrative support staff/requester, who can request COVID-19 supplies (hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, disposable face coverings, and re-usable face coverings) via iShop using the "Return to Work Supplies" form.
Departmental administrative support staff/requesters, submit a separate requisition per campus (Brownsville and Edinburg) and use the following accounting codes when completing the iShop cart(s):
Commodity Codes:
53131626 - Hand sanitizer
46182001 - Masks or accessories
47131803 - Household disinfectants
The "Return to Work Supplies" form allows requesters to choose from which Central Receiving location they would like to pick up the supplies. Once the request is approved in iShop, the supplies may be picked up from Central Receiving within the requested dates.
For questions about ordering COVID-19 supplies, contact ishop@utrgv.edu or (956) 665-2161.
View the Resources for Working Remotely for information on computer labs, map of WiFi access points, and more.
There are 5,000 concurrent VPN connections allowed. Connection is first come, first served. Please see knowledge article on how to create a VPN connection. All UTRGV laptops should have DirectAccess which negates the need to manually create a VPN connection. UTRGV desktop computers being used off campus can also have the DirectAccess policy applied by having the user submit a Service Request, including the computer name and asset tag number.
For more information and guidance, please visit Continuity Resources for Faculty, Staff, and Students for COVID-19 Situation.
Accommodations for Staff
Workplace accommodations are granted to assist an employee to perform their essential duties in accordance with ADM 03-200: Accommodations for individuals with Disabilities. If your doctor recommends working remotely as a possible accommodation, it will be reviewed by Human Resources during the ADA process.
Age alone is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act/Amendments Act (ADA/ADAAA) and would not qualify you for a workplace accommodation to work remotely. We encourage employees who have a disability or serious health condition to contact the Office of Human Resources for assistance or to request accommodations.
Employees should discuss their circumstances directly with their supervisors to determine if a remote work arrangement is possible. Supervisors are expected to evaluate the situation, discuss the issue with Human Resources, if needed, and communicate the decision with the affected employee. For leave questions, contact leave@utrgv.edu.
For additional questions, please contact hrpartners@utrgv.edu.
It is imperative that requests to help or care for a family member with a serious health condition be filed as a request for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA). If approved, FMLA allows you to take time off work to care for your family member. It will not provide approval for you to work remotely to avoid possibly contracting COVID-19 at work. However, you may submit a request to your supervisor to work remotely.
For any leave related questions, please contact leave@utrgv.edu.
Employees should reach out to their supervisor, who will work with the employee to see if a remote work arrangement can be made. We encourage employees who have a disability or serious health condition to contact the Office of Human Resources for assistance or to request accommodations. Please contact HRpartners@utrgv.edu for more information.
Internal Portal
Completing the portal profile takes less than one minute. Submit yours now at utrgv.edu/vaccineportal or update your profile if you need to change something.
Completing your profile not only helps us measure vaccine demand — it also helps us track our progress toward "Herd Immunity" within our campus community.
Current UTRGV students can 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.
Family members cannot use the UTRGV portal since it is exclusively for UTRGV students, faculty, and staff. However, your friends and family aged 5+ can schedule an appointment with UT Health RGV by calling 1-833-UTVACN8 (1-833-888-2268) or by contacting one of these UT Health RGV clinical locations.
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 can schedule an appointment with UT Health RGV by calling 1-833-UTVACN8 (1-833-888-2268) or by contacting one of these UT Health RGV clinical locations.
Now that all people in Texas aged 5 years 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.
YES! Completing the form through the Vaccine Portal (utrgv.edu/vaccineportal) is quick and 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 they received it.
YES! 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.
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.
YES! There is an option to indicate your booster status within the portal and we strongly encourage everyone to answer this question so that the University can continue gauging our campus community's overall level of protection.
Indicate your booster status now at utrgv.edu/vaccineportal.
Public Registration
Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines via UT Health RGV are made by calling 1-833-UTVACN8 (1-833-888-2268) or by contacting one of these UT Health RGV clinical locations.
All people aged 5+ are able to get the COVID vaccine (people ages 5-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
No. Please DO NOT submit the appointment form multiple times as doing so only hinders our ability to schedule those who currently qualify for vaccination.
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.
No. All vaccines are administered at UT Health RGV primary care locations by appointment only. Please call 1-833-UTVACN8 (1-833-888-2268) or one of these UT Health RGV clinical locations to schedule an appointment.
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.
Distribution Process
All people aged 5+ are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine (people ages 5-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).
Members of the public can request an appointment to receive a COVID-19 Vaccine at a UT Health RGV vaccine site by calling 1-833-UTVACN8 (1-833-888-2268) or by contacting one of these UT Health RGV clinical locations.
Active UTRGV students, faculty, and staff can schedule an appointment by calling any Student Health or Employee Health location or by requesting it via the UTRGV Vaccine Portal.
No, no one will be denied a vaccine by UT Health RGV based on residency or immigration status.
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.
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.
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.
To protect yourself and others, follow these recommendations:
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
- Stay at least six (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.
Yes. 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.
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.
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.
No, children aged 5-15 do not need to provide a photo ID but must provide their date of birth.
Yes, UT Health RGV requires a parent, legal guardian, or adult family member to accompany all minors during their COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
A parent or legal guardian must sign the vaccination consent form.
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.
Vaccine Facts
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While UT Health RGV is offering the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine (pediatric dose) to children aged 5-11 years, there is not currently an authorized vaccine for use in children younger than 5 years old.
Members of the public can request a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at a UT Health RGV vaccine site by calling 1-833-UTVACN8 (1-833-888-2268) or by contacting one of these UT Health RGV clinical locations.
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.
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.
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.
The number of doses needed depends on which vaccine you receive. To get the most protection:
- Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine primary series consists of two (2) doses given 3 weeks (21 days) apart.
- Moderna vaccine primary series consists of two (2) doses given four (4) weeks (28 days) apart.
- Johnson & Johnson's 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 two doses.
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
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. The vast majority of people who have been vaccinated report experiencing mild side effects common in most vaccines, such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headache.
Each vaccine recipient will be monitored by a medical provider for at least 15 minutes after the vaccine is administered. For the most up-to-date information on possible side effects after getting a COVID-19 Vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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.
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.
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.
UT Health RGV administers vaccines based on availability and we encourage you to take the vaccine that is most convenient for you. 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, and as a lower dose vaccine for children aged 5-11.
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.
Post Vaccination
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.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are considered fully vaccinated:
- Two (2) weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series (i.e. Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) or
- Two (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 you came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 and you are in one of the following groups, you do not need to quarantine:
- You are ages 18 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.
- You are ages 5-17 years and completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
- You had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test).
IMPORTANT:
- Get tested at least 5 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19.
- If you test positive or develop COVID-19 symptoms, isolate yourself from other people and follow recommendations in the Isolation section below.
- If you tested positive for COVID-19 with a viral test within the previous 90 days and subsequently recovered and remain without COVID-19 symptoms, you do not need to quarantine or get tested after close contact.
- You should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact with someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered day 0).
For more information about this and other post-vaccination recommendations from the CDC, click here.
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.
The CDC is currently recommending booster shots (third doses) for all people aged 12+ (at least 5 months after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna or at least two (2) months after the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson).
Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised:
According to the CDC, some moderately or severely immunocompromised people aged 5+ should get an additional primary shot after completing the primary 2-shot series. If you are eligible for an additional primary shot, you should get this dose first before you get a booster shot.
Boosters
View the CDC's latest guidance regarding boosters.
Boosters and Additional Doses
The CDC currently recommends:
- All people aged 12+ get a COVID-19 booster (third dose) at least 5 months after their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) vaccine series.
- All people aged 18+ get any of the three authorized COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) as a booster:
- at least 5 months after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or
- at least 2 months after the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson).
Additional Booster Doses
- People Ages 50 and Older:
The CDC is currently recommending a second booster (4th dose) of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for all people aged 50+ at least 4 months after receiving their first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. - Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised:
The CDC currently recommends a second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all immunocompromised people ages 12+ at least 4 months after receiving their first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the CDC, some moderately or severely immunocompromised people aged 5+ should get an additional primary shot after completing the primary 2-shot series. If you are eligible for an additional primary shot, you should get this dose first before you get a booster shot. - Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Recipients:
People aged 18+ who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (i.e. Pfizer or Moderna).
View the CDC's latest guidance regarding boosters.
Please Note:
- The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only authorized and recommended vaccine for children under the age of 18.
The easiest way for active students, faculty, and staff to get a booster is by calling and scheduling an appointment at any Student Health or Employee Health location or by requesting it via the UTRGV Vaccine Portal.
Members of the public or external community members can get COVID-19 boosters via UT Health RGV by calling 1-833-UTVACN8 (1-833-888-2268) or by contacting one of these UT Health RGV clinical locations.
We kindly ask that all patients present their COVID-19 vaccine card when getting a booster. However, if you received your initial two doses at a UT Health RGV site and do not have your COVID-19 vaccine card, we can confirm your status in our system. If you did not receive a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card at your first appointment, contact the site where you got your first shot or the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to find out how you can get a card.
Similar to the primary 2-shot series, the most commonly reported reactions to the Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot so far are fatigue and pain at the injection site. Overall, side effects are mild to moderate. Like the primary 2-shot series, serious side effects are rare but may occur.
Yes. According to the CDC, everyone is still considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-shot series (Pfizer or Moderna), or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).
However, CDC does recommend getting a COVID-19 booster at least 5 months after your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or at least 2 months after your initial dose of Johnson & Johnson as protection from the primary vaccines series weakens over time.
Please Note: The CDC recommends that most people get either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) as a booster, even if your initial vaccine dose was Johnson & Johnson.
View the CDC's latest guidance regarding boosters.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "a booster shot is administered when a person has completed their vaccine series and protection against the virus has decreased over time," while "additional doses are administered to people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems." Per CDC, "this additional dose of an mRNA-COVID-19 vaccine is intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series."
Flu Shots
According to health and medical experts, the 2021-2022 influenza (flu) season could be much worse than it was in 2020-2021. However, like every flu season, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones this year is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
For more on the flu and vaccines, visit the CDC’s FAQs about the 2021-2022 flu season.
All active UTRGV students and benefits-eligible employees can get a flu shot for FREE by calling for an appointment or walking in and presenting a student ID or insurance card at any of the following UT Health RGV locations:
UT Health RGV Employee Health (Edinburg)
Research Education Building (EREBL) 1st floor, Suite #58
1214 W. Schunior St.
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 296-1731
UT Health RGV Multispecialty/Employee Health (Harlingen)
2106 Treasure Hills Blvd. #1.326
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 296-1519
UT Health RGV Student Health (Brownsville)*
Cortez Hall, Suite 237
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 882-3896
V Express Care by UT Health RGV at H-E-B plus! (Brownsville)
2155 Paredes Line Rd.
Brownsville, TX 78521
(956) 296-2925
V Express Care by UT Health RGV at H-E-B plus! (Mission)
2409 East Expressway
Mission, TX 78572
(956) 296-2935
*In Brownsville, flu shots are available to all UTRGV employees, active students, and their enrolled dependents.
Yes! Both influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines — including boosters — can be administered at the same visit without regard to timing, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP).