Widow receives vaccine after losing husband to COVID, urges others to get vaccinated

MIAMI COUNTY — It was a bittersweet day for a Miami County woman who received her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine today.

Sharon Mathes was happy to become fully vaccinated today in Troy, but she could not help but think of her late husband, John.

The Mathes’ were married for 56 years before John died from COVID-19 late last year.

Speaking about getting the vaccine, Sharon said “it’s three or four months too late.”

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In November, John had went in for a normal check up with his doctor where is oxygen levels took his doctor by surprise.

“When they checked his oxygen, it was so low, the doctor couldn’t believe he had even driven to the office,” Sharon said.

That was when they found out he had COVID. After 53 days in the hospital, on Christmas morning, John passed away at the age of 76.

According to Sharon, John was hopeful to one day get a COVID vaccine. While the opportunity never came for him, she is hoping others will get the vaccine as it becomes available to them.

“Why not get it? It makes it safe for all of us,” Sharon said.

Cox Media Group