Why she’s unvaccinated

After reading the letters of Aug. 4, I understand the frustrations of those who are able to be vaccinated, but there are people like me who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons.

After my dad got a flu vaccine in 1984, he began falling down and becoming immobile, and he died from Guillain-Barré syndrome. It is horrible, and the cure rate is minimal. Although it affects few people, I am not a candidate for flu or COVID vaccine due to the hereditary risk of contracting Guillain-Barré syndrome. My physician advised me to not get vaccinated. My husband and I leave home rarely, have our food delivered and when we leave, we mask up.

I was taken aback by some comments in the letters such as letting people die by sending them home from the hospital or denying them medical coverage. People must understand, although some of us can’t be vaccinated, we act responsibly and minimize outside contact. We take every precautionary measure possible, and I will continue to do so until COVID is gone.

I would get vaccinated if I could. My two choices are to get vaccinated and possibly die or lay low, follow the guidance and hope my efforts will prevent me from getting COVID. Please walk in another person’s shoes before making such rash comments.

Kathy Coyle, Margate

(Editor’s Note: The Centers for Disease Control web site says individuals with Guillian-Barré syndrome can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems should receive a third dose, the CDC says).