COVID-19 Vaccinations
COVID-19 and its variants continue to impact communities across our country and the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all Americans age 5 and older, with few exceptions, be vaccinated against the virus. Read the CDC's latest guidance.
At this time, South Texas Health System is NOT a community vaccination site. Please refer to your local health authority or pharmacy for information on community vaccination sites.
Latest COVID-19 Information
Our visitation procedures have changed. Please see the latest updates below.
The safety of our patients and staff has always been and remains our top priority. Since the beginning of the pandemic we have implemented extraordinary measures and additional protocols, including mandatory masking in our facilities, to help ensure a safe and clean environment for our patients, physicians, staff and community. We continue to actively monitor and respond to all recommendations made by the CDC and our local health agencies.
Thank you for entrusting your care to us. When you or your loved ones need services, know that we are here … safe, trusted and ready to deliver a superior healthcare experience.
Emergency Department – Do Not Delay in Seeking Critical Care
Our Emergency Departments are staffed 24/7 to serve those with emergency medical conditions. Individuals experiencing serious injuries or medical symptoms such as chest pain, numbness, difficulty breathing or mental confusion should call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. It could save your life.
We have an additional layer of protection with the utilization of UV light technology that kills germs once a room is unoccupied. Curtains and doors are kept closed and patients are separated based on symptoms.
Individuals Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms
If you develop a fever or cough or have difficulty breathing, or have had close contact with someone who has had a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result, please seek medical attention by calling your provider’s office or an Urgent Care Center.
If you need help deciding if you should seek medical care, access the CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker on the CDC COVID-19 Symptoms page by clicking on the Coronavirus Self-checker button at the top of the page.
Telehealth
For your convenience and safety, virtual visits via Telehealth technology are available to address many non-emergency health concerns. Virtual visits allow you to speak with a healthcare provider using a phone, tablet or computer from the comfort of your own home.
Visitation Guidelines (as of June 20, 2023)
South Texas Health System continues to monitor COVID-19 activity within our hospitals to understand how to best meet the needs of our community.
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All visitors must:
- Frequently perform good hand hygiene
- Limit their visit to the patient room or designated area they are visiting
- If you have a cough, fever or do not feel well, please do not visit
- Adult Inpatient Units: Two (2) adult support people at a time are allowed during regular visiting hours of 8 am – 8 pm
- Pediatric Inpatient Units: Two (2) adult support people at a time are allowed with 24-hour in-room visitation permitted.
- Emergency Departments: Two (2) adult support people are allowed in the emergency departments at all hospitals.
- Labor and Delivery: Two (2) adult support people at a time are allowed with 24-hour in-room visitation permitted.
- Outpatient Areas (Imaging, Labs, Day Surgery, etc.): Two (2) adult support people may accompany the patient and wait in the waiting area.
- End-of-Life Considerations: We are deeply committed to supporting the loved ones of patients in an end-of-life condition. We will work with a point person from each family to accommodate appropriate visitation in coordination with the medical provider.
Visitation guidelines will be regularly examined by hospital leadership and adjusted based on any change in the COVID-19 situation within our community. Our goal is always to ensure the highest level of safety for our patients, physicians, mid-level providers, staff and community members.
Prevention
If you have not yet been vaccinated, the CDC recommends individuals follow these everyday preventive measures.
- Wear a mask. If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places.
- Stay six feet away from others.
- Get vaccinated. Authorized COVID-19 vaccines can help protect you from COVID-19.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
- Wash your hands often.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
- Monitor your daily health and watch for symptoms.
Additional Resources
- World Health Organization →
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) →
- CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker →
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