Tristen Cortez EDINBURG – In a Sept. 11 press release by the Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency announced the release of updated COVID-19 vaccines that will combat new variants; including the currently circulating BA.2.86 strain, dubbed Pirola.
“Vaccination remains critical to public health and continued protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death,” Peter Marks, director of the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research said.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, cases of COVID-19 have begun to decline in Hidalgo County, with 3,196 fewer confirmed cases during the week following Labor Day.
Glenn Gray, UTRGV director of Health Services, said vaccination is critical in dealing with continually developing variants of COVID-19.
“The new variant vaccine is a lot like the annual flu shots where you get it, you get a different formula every year depending on what particular virus is circulating,” Gray said. “Currently in the Valley and statewide, the rate of the new variant vaccines is up probably about 10% over prior years.”
While universities across the country continue in-person enrollment during the Fall academic semester, some universities have recommended mask usage such as those in the Atlanta University Center Consortium earlier in August.
Rebecca Gadson, UTRGV dean of students, said that while the university has no plans for a change in operations, she advises students to follow the updated guidelines of the center for disease control and prevention.
“Our health areas will provide some additional information when the new vaccine becomes available and what that might mean,” Gadson said. “And students and community members can become educated and make a decision that they feel is right for them regarding what to do with that opportunity once it becomes available.”
The upcoming boosters from Pfizer and Moderna are planned for release this week at clinics and pharmacies throughout the country, including at UT Health Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg.
For a list of vaccine providers or to schedule an appointment with an available provider, visit vaccines.gov.
