Boston hospitals say they will not consider performing a heart transplant for patients who refuse to be vaccinated COVID-19 (new coronavirus infection)CBS Boston reports.
31-year-old DJ Ferguson is in desperate need of a heart transplant, fighting for his life at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
His father, David Ferguson, is passionate about speaking on behalf of his son. Told to CBS Boston“Going to the edge of death to stick to his gun, he was pushed to the limit.”
The DJ family says he was at the forefront of getting a transplant, but hospital policy stipulates that he is no longer eligible because he has not been vaccinated.
And David Ferguson says his son would simply not.
“It goes against his basic principles. He doesn’t believe it,” says David Ferguson. “It’s the policy they’re doing and they won’t shoot him, so they’ve removed him from the list for a heart transplant.”
Brigam and Women said, “Like many other transplant programs in the United States, the COVID-19 vaccine is necessary for transplant candidates for the Mass General Brigam System to create the best opportunities for both. One of the vaccine and lifestyle behaviors for the success of the surgery and the survival of the patient after the transplant. “
Dr. Arthur Caplan, director of medical ethics at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains that this type of procedure requires vaccination.
“Post anything about transplants, kidneys, hearts, your immune system will be blocked,” Kaplan said. “Influenza can kill you, colds can kill you. COVID can kill you. Organs are scarce. Surgery to survive.”
DJ is the father of two children and has a third child along the way. His family says they don’t know what they’re trying to do. They are thinking of moving him, but he may be too weak to move.
“We are actively pursuing all options, but we are short of time,” said David Ferguson.
The family says the DJ is paying close attention to Brigham and Women’s doctors and nurses, but does not agree with the COVID vaccination policy for heart transplants.
“I think my boy is fighting with great courage. I respect him more and more because he has integrity and the principles he really believes in,” said David Ferguson. Told.
That’s why the family sticks to his side and wants the best. “It’s his body. It’s his choice,” Ferguson added.
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