Amanda DeJesus’ COVID-19 Vaccine Story

Amanda DeJesus

“The vaccine will give you a piece of mind. It will bring your family back together.” – Amanda DeJesus, Heart Transplant Recipient 

Amanda DeJesus is heart transplant recipient, podcast host, and professional chef living in Houston, Texas. Today, nearly seventeen years after her heart transplant, her body is rejecting her heart and she is once again on the waiting list for a heart and a kidney transplant. She currently goes to dialysis, which filters the toxins out of her blood, three times a week.

Once COVID-19 hit, Amanda became extremely anxious around others, fearing she might get sick which would impact her chances of getting her transplant.  “My life was on hold,” said Amanda. She spent months inside, only leaving the house to go to her dialysis appointments. Amanda knew she was going to get the COVID-19 vaccine once it became available to her.

“Talking to other transplant recipients about their experience with the vaccine gave me a sense of relief.” Amanda decided to get the vaccine at her hospital, Memorial Hermann Hospital, in February of 2021. She had minimal side effects including a headache and some fatigue. Since then, she has been highly active in promoting the vaccine to her friends and family. “I’ve worked so hard to get my transplant, to live life to the fullest, and in order to get back to doing that, this vaccine is the next step,” said Amanda.