Texas Border Business
Nearly 170 military members of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Task Force North have received a shot in the arm that will help them fight another enemy, the coronavirus, while conducting operations in South Texas in support of the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection.
On Thursday, March 4, 2021, South Texas Health System McAllen staff administered the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the hospital’s vaccination clinic to 168 multi-service military personnel, who serve on the Joint Task Force North.
After receiving the Pfizer vaccine through the Department of Defense, the Joint Task Force delivered it to the facility and worked closely with the hospital’s pharmacy department to ensure proper storage, handling and preparation of the vaccine, as well as final administration of the shots to the soldiers.
“South Texas Health System has worked closely with the Joint Task Force North over the years, and we’re honored that they chose to partner with South Texas Health System McAllen to get their soldiers vaccinated,” says Todd Mann, Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System McAllen. “The more people who get the vaccine, the closer we are to stopping the spread of COVID-19, as well as minimizing its effects on those who contract coronavirus. Since the first doses of the vaccine arrived at our hospitals, we have worked around the clock to get shots in the arms of the community, including our healthcare heroes and first responders. And, vaccinating members of the military based in our community is important for the population at large.”
The members of the Joint Task Force North who received their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine this week will return to South Texas Health System McAllen in three weeks for their second dose.
