Current:Home > reviewsBefore Dying, An Unvaccinated TikTok User Begged Others Not to Repeat Her Mistake -EquityWise
Before Dying, An Unvaccinated TikTok User Begged Others Not to Repeat Her Mistake
View
Date:2025-04-15 23:49:32
"I shouldn't have waited."
In the final video posted on her TikTok account, Megan Alexandra Blankenbiller pleaded with her followers not to make the same mistake she did — waiting to get the COVID-19 vaccine — that eventually cost her her life.
Blankenbiller, or @atasteofalex on TikTok, died of COVID-19 last month after documenting her journey with the virus through a series of short videos. She first announced that she'd gotten COVID-19 on Aug. 13 with a video of herself in the hospital. In the caption, she urged others: "DO NOT WAIT TO GET VACCINATED! Go now!!"
It was a sentiment that she echoed in her next three videos.
In one video, she dispelled the misconception that those who are vaccinated cannot get COVID-19 and explained that it helps your body withstand the virus if you do get it. In her next, she said she'd been afraid to get the vaccine. She also said that since she'd been at the hospital, she'd been hearing the "moans and the screams of people in pain" — the grief of those who had likely lost their loved ones.
In her final video, filmed in a hospital bed as the others had been, she admitted that it was getting harder to talk but shared her own story: She was not against vaccines but had been taking time to research and wanted to get vaccinated at the same time as her family — a decision she said she came to regret.
"I do think it was a mistake. I shouldn't have waited," she said. "If you are even 70% sure that you want the vaccine, go get it. Don't wait. Go get it because hopefully if you get it, then you won't end up in the hospital like me, OK?"
Blankenbiller died nine days after her last video was posted Aug. 15, CNN reported. She was 31. Before her death, she'd made appointments to get vaccinated with her mother and sisters, but she became sick before she was able to get the vaccine, according to WebMD.
Blankenbiller's story is similar to many that have been shared in recent months of those who did not get vaccinated but, after contracting COVID-19, wished they had. Some of those people have begun encouraging others to get the shot. Health officials have said they hope these stories will raise vaccination rates and save lives.
veryGood! (28)
Related
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Olympian Madeline Musselman Honors Husband Pat Woepse After Fatal Cancer Battle
- Olympian Madeline Musselman Honors Husband Pat Woepse After Fatal Cancer Battle
- Attention Upper East-Siders: Gossip Girl Fans Spot Continuity Errors in Series
- What polling shows about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ new running mate
- The Best Lululemon Holiday Gifts for Fitness Enthusiasts, Travelers, and Comfort Seekers
- Certain absentee ballots in one Georgia county will be counted if they’re received late
- Hurricane Rafael storms into Gulf after slamming Cuba, collapsing power grid
- Eva Mendes Shares Message of Gratitude to Olympics for Keeping Her and Ryan Gosling's Kids Private
- Republican Jeff Hurd wins Colorado US House seat in Lauren Boebert’s old district
Ranking
- Judge says Mexican ex-official tried to bribe inmates in a bid for new US drug trial
- This '90s Music Icon's Masked Singer Elimination Will Leave You Absolutely Torn
- Five NFL teams that could surge in second half of season: Will Jets, 49ers rise?
- Where Kristin Cavallari and Bobby Flay Stand After He Confessed to Sliding Into Her DMs
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Zach Bryan Hints at the “Trouble” He Caused in New Song Dropped After Dave Portnoy Diss Track
- Interpreting the Investment Wisdom and Business Journey of Damon Quisenberry
- Jewish students attacked at DePaul University in Chicago while showing support for Israel
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Michigan man sentenced to 30 years in prison for role in online child exploitation ring
Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Details First Marriage to Meri Brown's Brother
Hope is not a plan. Florida decides to keep football coach Billy Napier despite poor results
Police remove gator from pool in North Carolina town: Watch video of 'arrest'
Jeopardy! Contestant Speaks Out on Sexist Clue After Ken Jennings' Apology
Liam Payne Death Investigation: 3 People of Interest Detained in Connection to Case
Every Time Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Channeled Their Wicked Characters in Real Life