Louisiana State News by Ken Fulton, Southern States Bureau Chief
A grieving Louisiana mother offered COVID-19 vaccines at her son’s funeral after he died of the virus. She hopes that her son’s death will have a positive influence on other people’s decision-making.
Brandon Haynes, 46, refused the COVID-19 vaccine despite a history of health problems and his mother Betty Antoine’s pleas. Haynes even advised his friends not to get vaccines. Then, Haynes died of COVID-related complications just six days following his diagnosis. His mother was at his side in the hospital when he passed.
His mother had attempted to convince Haynes to get the vaccine. Following his death, she set out to ensure others would not repeat her son’s fatal mistake by offering vaccines at Haynes’ funeral. Her son was influential in his friend circle. His refusal to vaccinate influenced his friends’ decision not to, according to Antoine. In death, as in life, Haynes continues to influence his friend - now, to vaccinate unlike him.
Antoine teamed up with a friend of her own who was experienced in administering vaccines at a hospital in Baton Rouge. Three people were vaccinated at Haynes’ celebration of life, including people who cited Haynes’s decision as a direct influence on their previous hesitancy. Ten others informed Antoine after the celebration that they had received their vaccines elsewhere.
The Louisiana vaccination rate is among the lowest in the United States. Only 36.6% of the population is fully vaccinated. Only 41.2% have received at least one dose. At present, Louisiana averages nearly 3,000 new COVID-19 cases per day.
Whether vaccinate rates rise or stall, Antoine will continue to deal with the loss of her son. She hopes that no one else suffers a similar pain, warning: "I just want people to know it can happen to you. I never thought that it would never happen to me, but it can happen to you.”
This is an interesting concept. How do you feel about the mother's decision?