Mum-of-two who refused Covid vaccine over fears of side effects dies after catching Delta variant

Deborah Carmichael, Jones’ mother, told FOX 4 that she had received her Covid-19 vaccine in the spring, shortly after it became available to her.

However, her daughter was undecided and nervous about side effects, so wanted to wait.

'You hear a lot of horror stories,” Carmichael said.

“When I had the shot, it was rough, so it scared her and freaked her out. So she didn't want to do it. I couldn't convince her.'

Jones’ son contracted Covid-19 at his middle school back in April. 

Later, it was discovered that his infection was linked to the Delta variant.

Jones and her husband, Keith, contracted the virus not long after.

The Delta variant, which was also known as B.1.617.2, has been labelled as a “double mutant” by India’s Health Ministry, because it carries two mutations: L452R and E484Q.

The former is  the same mutation identified in the California homegrown variant, while E484Q is similar to the mutation seen in the Brazilian and South African variants. 

Delta’s biological advantage of being able to spread faster than any other variant allowed it to become rampant.

The strain, which was first identified in India, makes up almost every new Covid case in the UK (95 per cent).

Carmichael said after her daughter contracted the virus, she said: "Mom you were right, about the shot, about masks, being diligent and all that”.

“I was like: ‘I don't want to be right. I want you to be well. That's all that matters’.”

After this point, Jones’ health went downhill rapidly.

She was hospitalized at Research Medical Center in Kansas City in early May and placed on a ventilator on May 13.

While her Covid-19 symptoms gradually disappeared, her respiratory health never improved.

On June 9, she passed away.

Her distraught mother said she “never would have thought” she would lose her daughter, at just 45.

“It wasn't my choice. It wasn't what I wanted. Everything in me was screaming: ‘No, this can't be right. She's only 45’.”

Jones’ family was now bidding all Americans to get their vaccine.

“Please take this seriously,” Carmichael said.

“You don't want to see a family member you love go through this.

“You have a way better chance of coming out OK than if you don't.”