EMT is now encouraging others to get vaccinated
Daniel Miller, WJLA/7News with permission
WASHINGTON (7News) – DC Fire and EMS emergency response technician who has COVID-19 and pneumonia after declining to get a vaccine is urging others to be vaccinated.
EMT Kevin Allen regrets not getting the vaccine after declining to get a vaccine in December 2020. He now plans to be the first in line to get a shot, DC Fire and EMS tweeted on Saturday.
“It was just too new. I didn’t know too much about it. It came out so fast and I was adamant about not getting it (the vaccine) thinking it would cause more harm than help,” Allen said.
Allen started having flu-like symptoms on March 30. “I called the ICG and they told me the next day to get a COVID test. A couple of days later the test came back negative. I called out sick on Easter because I still wasn’t feeling well. My wife said call your private doctor and see what they say<” Allen said. “So they told me to get another COVID test. About two days later it came back positive and my doctor told you’re not running a fever or anything and quarantine yourself the next 10 or so days and you will be okay.”
According to Allen, he tried to quarantine, and by the 14th day, his breathing was off. The next day his doctor instructed him to go to the hospital where he was admitted and treated for COVID-19 and pneumonia. His family also tested positive for COVID-19 but remained in quarantine at home.
“Being in the hospital by yourself, it’s terrible,” Allen said. He added that having the virus and pneumonia took a toll on his family and his wife was worried about him dying in the hospital.
Allen was released from the hospital on April 29 and is still recovering. He said he has damage to his lung and can’t take a ride anywhere without taking oxygen with him because he struggles to breathe. He vows to get vaccinated and said he will be the first in line and wouldn’t wish what he’s going through on anyone.