COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best protection one year later

Posted: 1/24/2022

"Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself"

"He loved traveling, was dedicated to his family, and was always willing to lend a hand when he could." That's how Maria Campos-Ramirez, 43, of Dallas describes her older brother who lost his battle with COVID-19 in September 2021.

"All you think about is wanting to go back in time," said Campos-Ramirez. "I don't want any other family member to leave this way."

Sadly, Campos-Ramirez has lost more than just her brother. Two uncles and a cousin have also succumbed to the virus. The youngest was just 16-years old.

In December 2020, healthcare workers, residents at long-term care facilities, people 65+, and individuals 16+ with a health condition that would increase the risk of severe COVID‑19 illness were lining up to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Thirteen months later, COVID-19 vaccines are widely available for those age 5 and older, as well as booster shots for those over 12.

Still, according to health experts, COVID-19 vaccination rates are not where they need to be. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID data tracker shows 862,494 people have died of COVID in the U.S. At Parkland Memorial Hospital, 685 COVID patients have died and 95% of those were unvaccinated.

"The message hasn't changed. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself from this deadly virus. Once you're in that hospital bed being placed on a ventilator, it's too late," said Joseph Chang, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Parkland. "Cases and hospitalizations continue to rise with the new Omicron variant and the majority of those hospitalized are not vaccinated. The time to get your vaccine is now."

Campos-Ramirez said she opted to get vaccinated for one reason - fear.

"I'm a single mom. If I get sick with COVID who will watch my son, Lucas? I don't want to risk myself," she said. "Before the vaccine everyone would ask themselves 'where is the solution to this?' This is it."

When vaccines became available for children ages 5 to 11 Campos-Ramirez had a frank conversation with her son's physician about whether her 5-year old should get vaccinated. Lucas, who has asthma, was especially vulnerable to the virus and although she had some reservations, Campos-Ramirez followed the doctor's recommendation to get her son vaccinated.

"Don't wait and see if the vaccine works because we never know if we'll see a tomorrow. We never know if we'll be able to hug a loved one tomorrow. The only thing we can do right now is get vaccinated," Campos-Ramirez added.

Individuals can make an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at one of Parkland's Community Oriented Primary Care health centers by calling 214-590-7000 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Vaccines are also available at area pharmacies, grocery stores or at Dallas County Health & Human Services sites.

For more information about Parkland, visit www.parklandhospital.com

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