But with the rise of popularity of vaccines, also comes anti-vaxxers who rather believe forwarded messages and information from dubious sources.
Recent reports from around the world shows that most new cases of COVID-19 and deaths involves those who have yet to be vaccinated. Still there are those who refuse to believe in science and pay the price.
One such man is a fitness enthusiast from United Kingdom who believed that being fit meant he won't suffer much even if he got infected.
A tragic end
On 3 July 2021, the twin sister of John Eyers tweeted that he had been infected and urging others to get vaccinated.To all #antivaxxers, my staunch, anti vaxxer, none mask wearing, 42 yr old twin, is now in hospital with COVID & pneumonia. Rushed in an ambulance as struggled to breathe. Quite simply, if he’d had the vaccine, he wouldn’t be. Get the vaccine @doctor_oxford @CarolineHirons
— jenny mccann (@jennyeye) July 3, 2021
Nine days later, Jenny McCann updated her twitter informing those concerned that Eyers' condition was getting worse and he had several infections. However, she reported that his condition was stabilising and they are hoping for better days. She also thanked the staff at the hospital he was admitted in.
Huge thank you to all the staff @SONHStrust who are looking after my brother. After a gruelling 18months there all still having to go above & beyond. #GetVaccinated @doctor_oxford pic.twitter.com/M0HEUD87Lv
— jenny mccann (@jennyeye) July 20, 2021
Unfortunately for Eyer and his loved ones, he did not survive.
In a thread that is pinned to McCann's twitter, she shared the news of his demise and reminded others to get vaccinated.
My 42yr old twin brother died in ITU of COVID-19 last week. He died exactly 4 weeks after testing positive. He was the fittest, healthiest person I know. He was climbing Welsh mountains & wild camping 4 weeks before his death.
— jenny mccann (@jennyeye) August 2, 2021
"The only pre existing health condition he had was the belief in his own immortality . He thought if he contracted COVID-19 he would be ok. He thought he would have a mild illness. He didn’t want to put a vaccine on his body.
"His was pumped full of every drug in the hospital. They threw everything at him. But eventually the bedfellow of CoVID19, infection & organ failure, claimed his life.
"Before he was ventilated he told his consultant that he wished he had been vaccinated. That he wished he had listened. His death is a tragedy. It shouldn’t have happened. He leaves a Mum and Dad, a sister (me), and a 19 year old daughter.
"My two children have lost their fun uncle. The Uncle who would always play with them. The Uncle that dressed up as Father Christmas on Christmas Day. My Mum has lost her baby boy. My niece, her much loved and needed Dad.
"This shouldn’t have happened. My Mum wants people to know about John. For his story to save someone’s life. For pain & loss to drive people to get a vaccine," she wrote.
Eyer's case is not an isolated one. Thousands of people around the world are losing their loved ones and vaccines can prevent at least most of these deaths.
Even in Malaysia, while many are hoping and praying to get vaccinated soon, there are still those who refuse to get the jab despite having the chance to. We hope this story will change the minds of at least a few.