UT Health RGV offers third dose to those who qualify

UT Health RGV continues to focus on ensuring the safety of the university community as it offers third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine against COVID-19 to those who qualify.

“We delivered the first and second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine to tens of thousands of people during the earlier parts of this year, starting in mid-December and continuing to today,” said Dr. Michael Dobbs, chief medical officer for UT Health RGV. “So, these are our patients. We have an obligation to take care of our patients going forward.”

If there are students, faculty or staff who qualify for and want the third dose of the vaccine, Dobbs said UT Health RGV will supply it for them, even if they did not receive their first two doses on campus.

“Right now, the third dose is given to people who are immunocompromised,” he said. “The way it works is that the CDC has listed some conditions for which people would qualify.”

The immunocompromised include individuals who have:

–been receiving cancer treatment for tumors or cancer of the blood

–received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

–moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency

–advanced or untreated HIV infection.

UT Health has been instructed to have individuals attest that they qualify for the third dose, Dobbs said, and then if they do, they will have the third dose administered to them.

“What I would do is I would suggest that people who are interested first look at the conditions that constitute being immunocompromised. See if that includes you,” he said. “If it does and you want a third dose of vaccine, make an appointment and come and get your vaccine.”

Dobbs said it is advisable for individuals to bring their record of having received the first two doses when they come in for the third dose. 

The third dose is already being administered to immunocompromised individuals.

“We’ve been doing that for a couple of weeks since we received guidance from the FDA that we were clear to do so,” Dobbs said. “It is anticipated that everyone who received a first and second dose will qualify to receive a third dose.”

However, he said this information is from the White House, not the Food and Drug Administration or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; UT Health RGV will wait for information from these agencies before it proceeds with making the third dose available to everyone, not just those who are immunocompromised.

Asked about the third dose being offered on campus, Clarissa Ramos, a rehabilitation services freshman, replied, “I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all. I actually feel more comfortable that I am vaccinated, just because you are surrounded by a lot more people.”

Ramos said she prefers in-person class over online, and that being vaccinated and ensuring everyone’s safety has made it more comfortable to be back in class.

“If you look around, cases have gotten really bad,” says Ramos. “I think it’s just better that people got vaccinated.”

Ramos said she would consider a COVID-19 booster shot for herself if it were offered.

Kristen Tobias, a philosophy senior, is skeptical of the vaccine
and personally against it.

“My thing is, if people want to get the vaccine, that’s entirely up to them,” Tobias replied when asked about the third doses offered to qualifying individuals. “I’m not going to hate on someone because they’re getting the vaccine. Given the same thing, I think those who do get vaccinated should not hate on those who decide not to.”

Tobias said those who want their views accepted should be accepting of others’ in return.

In the meantime, Dobbs said UT Health RGV will continue to deliver the vaccine as long as COVID is a health-care issue.

“We want to be here for our campus community and for the Rio Grande Valley community to deliver the vaccine as long as they need it,” he said. “The overall message is that if you need the vaccine, we have it for you.”