HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A Huntsville woman changed her mind about getting the COVID vaccine after her brother-in-law was killed by the virus.
Allison Haynes has an important message to share with the community:
"My sister is not expected to even make it and her husband is already dead. So, it's real," said Haynes.
Haynes's sister is being treated for COVID-19 at a local hospital where she remains on a ventilator.
"So he went in, got on the ventilator, and then he died and she doesn't even know that he's passed away," said Haynes. "Her husband died and she doesn't even know."
She says her family initially did not believe in the vaccine, but as her brother-in-law's health took a turn for the worse, Haynes chose to get the shot.
Huntsville Hospital Emergency Preparedness Manager Joyce Thomas says there are tools to fight the virus, people just need to be willing to use them.
"We want to make [the vaccine] available for those that want it," said Thomas.
Health experts around the nation continue to express that the COVID vaccine is both safe and effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death. On August 23, the FDA gave full approval to the Pfizer COVID vaccine.
You can find more information on where you can get the COVID vaccine on the Alabama Department of Public Health's website.