COVID Survivors Beg Others to Get Vaccinated

Before we had a COVID vaccine, the world was praying for one as millions of people helplessly watched their loved ones die. Now we have a vaccine and there is a degree of reluctance by some people to take it.  That reluctance is what has led to and continues to lead to more COVID-related deaths. On Monday night, Channel Five hosted a program called “Get the Facts, Dispel the Myths!” which included testimonials from survivors of COVID-19 who endured first-hand the pain and anguish of losing loved ones to the dreaded disease. Here are a few of their stories.

Ingrid Vega

Ingrid Vega, COVID-19 Survivor

“I was not one of those lucky ones that after 14 days I was back on my feet. I was one of those ones that after 14 days I was still fighting for my life; and after intubation, recovery, it was still not easy. It’s still not easy. I’m still recovering. I still have fatigue; I can’t sleep at night; I have to battle with COVID every day. It’s a reminder that it’s real and it’s out there. And the loss of my husband is a reminder every day.  Just Saturday my eight-year-old – I told her I was going to be on a show. She was like ‘Mom, again?’ And I said “Yea” and she asked what it was going to be about this time. I told her it was about the vaccine. And she said “Mom, can you say something for me?” And I said “Sure.” “Can you tell them it’s not easy to lose someone (crying) and that if my daddy had the vaccine he would still be here with me?”

Gabriela Guerra

Dr. Gabriela Guerra, COVID-19 Survivor

“Every night I tell my son, “I love you.” So how can I prove I love my son? Protect him. Taking the opportunity that Mr. Vega, my brother, my husband and more Belizeans didn’t have the opportunity to do before now. So why say no to an opportunity that in other countries, like (where) my parents are? They’re on a list and they give you the appointment and if you miss the appointment you need to go back to get on the list and then you get the vaccine. So here we are begging the people to take the vaccine, so it’s not fair.”

Stephanie Acosta

Stephanie Acosta, Lost Father to COVID-19

“My father passed away due to COVID-19. My father was not vaccinated, he was not. To be truthful the things he would have said would be the things that we’re hearing around town but there were also some of the other myths that really I was trying to tell him “No daddy, you need to get your vaccine.” But I couldn’t convince him in time.”