COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – The state now says that people older than 70 years get taller when they get COVID-19 vaccines.
But some seniors may already be vaccinated under a limited trial program at UCHealth.
Don Needham is one of the lucky people chosen. He told 11 News he did not hesitate when he found out he could get the vaccine.
He said he hopes he can share his experience through the potential concerns people have, and bring the country together. He adds that he only found out he could be eligible when he saw it on 11 News.
“I jumped on it and made an appointment for just the next day and got my chance yesterday,” Needham explained.
Needham said he logged in to his UCHealth patient portal and received the notification. He and his wife are both over 75 – just old enough to make the cut.
But for Needham, it was not just a welcome surprise to be eligible for the vaccine; it was a personal one. His best friend for seven decades only passed away from COVID-19 last week. Needham is a pastor and he is now planning a virtual memorial for his friend.
“It hurts a lot when you see friends – and he would not have died if COVID had not come along,” Needham explained. “He would probably have lived another 20 years, he was in such great physical shape.”
Needham checks the death toll of COVID daily and every death stays with him. He is working up a sign outside his house as a way to honor those who have passed by. He replaces it every 5000 deaths, which used to be weekly or even fortnightly, but now it’s almost daily.
“We went from 5,000 who died to 345,000, and it shows a little solemnly how many Americans we really lost because of COVID.”
This is his way of making a seemingly immeasurable loss somewhat calculable. He gives his example and hopes that his choice to get the vaccine will show that it is the way to a more normal life and, more importantly, fewer deaths.
“If people take it successfully, go get it,” Needham said. “Because it is essential to stop this plague that is destroying the homes, finances and lives of so many people.”
The two are scheduled to receive their next dose of the vaccine within 27 days. They say they hope to travel again and serve others as soon as possible.
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