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Medically unable to get vaccinated, teacher dies of COVID
Josh Cascio reports
WINTER HAVEN, Florida – Now that the FDA has given full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine warrants may become more common. Some employers require vaccines, and many cruise lines tell passengers that they need to be vaccinated before boarding.
However, there are a few accepted exceptions where vaccines are required. Religious and medical exemptions are the most common exemptions, but eligibility for a medical exemption is limited to a handful of circumstances.
Those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons must rely heavily on those around them to protect them from infection.
Unfortunately for Polk County teacher Kelly Peterson, whose doctor advised her not to get the vaccine because she was undergoing treatment for leukemia, wearing a mask was not enough. She died of complications from COVID-19.
The teachers’ union says the 41-year-old contracted the virus in the classroom at Lake Shipp Elementary School. Her family is heartbroken that she was endangered at the school she loved and was unable to get the vaccine due to her doctor’s orders.
They say they are comforted to know that she has improved their lives, hope her death will inspire others to take action to prevent the spread.
Doctors hope vaccines will push COVID back into the background by next year
COVID is likely here to stay, but doctors are hoping the pandemic becomes endemic – fading into the background like another ubiquitous virus.
RELATED: Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine Gets Full FDA Approval
Her sister, Christin, says Kelly went out of her way to teach fifth grade at Lake Shipp Elementary School.
“She gave everything she had for them every day,” Christin said. “She treated each of them as if they were her own children.”
After teaching virtually last year, Kelly Peterson, who is immunocompromised, was back in class this school year as per state regulations.
This is where her sister says she contracted COVID 19, despite wearing masks and the constant disinfection of her classroom.
“Because her leukemia was so severe at this point, their concern was to get the vaccine that could potentially put too much stress on her body,” explained Christin. “She had repeatedly expressed concerns that if she contracted COVID, she was afraid it would kill her, and unfortunately that is what happened.”
Are vaccination mandates legal?
Full FDA approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine could mean more schools and businesses will need it soon. The Supreme Court has already ruled that such warrants are legal.
FOLLOWING: FDA approval eases mandates for COVID-19 vaccines
There are rare instances where doctors may urge a patient not to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For example, anyone who is hypersensitive or prone to allergic reactions.
“Usually the hypersensitivity reactions that people get are treatable and they can also get good immunity from the vaccine,” said University of South Florida virologist Dr. Michael Teng.
The Polk County School District is the seventh largest in the state and does not have a mask mandate in place. At least seven other school districts are doing so, challenging the governor’s order.
“Polk County has lost a great soul,” said Stephanie Yocum, president of the Polk County Teachers Union. “I hope adults start to set good examples for our children. If wearing a mask can keep someone from dying, it should be something every person should do right now.”
“If it helps even one more person decide, ‘Let me get the shot,’ it’s worth it. People like Kelly can be saved,” added Christin.
Her family say Kelly considered going against her doctor’s orders to get the vaccine before school started, but ultimately decided to wait.
Her sister says that despite what happened, Kelly would have no regrets about going back to school because that’s how dedicated and selfless she was.
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