After watching one too many loved ones die from COVID-19, one Texas family made the decision to finally get the vaccine.
Like many people, Billy and Tara Williams fell victim to the “negative stuff” being spread online about the vaccine, but after Tara’s aunt, Betty Pierce, died, the McKinney, Texas resident had enough.
Over six months, the Williams lost eight loved ones to COVID-19. They told WFAA they have stopped counting the number of funerals they’ve attended.
The number is far too high.
“We attend a lot of funerals. But here recently, it’s just been so often. Of all people, why am I still here?” Billy said.
Recently, Tara’s aunt Betty, whom she was close to, became sick. While she initially appeared to be making a recovery, her condition rapidly declined.
Tara got to speak with Betty one last time before she was placed on a ventilator, and she won’t forget that conversation.
“Tara, you need to get the shot. I said, ‘Aunty I’m not getting that shot.’”
Betty died on a Wednesday; she was scheduled to receive her vaccine the following Monday.
After Betty died both Tara and Billy got the vaccine.
They have even convinced other loved ones to get the shot.
The spread of false information has been a major issue during the pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, during the first three months of 2020, almost 6,000 were hospitalized due to COVID-19 related misinformation, and it’s believed 800 died.
As with any vaccine, there is a risk of side effect when getting the COVID-19 vaccine, but the benefits, “preventing serious disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19,” outweigh the risks, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
It’s unfortunate that it came to losing so many family members, but I am glad that Tara and Billy made the choice to get the vaccine.
I hope their story will inspire others.
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