DALLAS — Health leaders and now some workplaces across the country are making a widespread push, encouraging people to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves against COVID-19. Just over half of Texas' population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, as hospitals experience another surge in cases stemming from the delta variant. 

What You Need To Know

  • Health leaders and some workplaces encourage vaccinations

  • Just over half of Texas' population has received at least one dose of the vaccine

  • Some local governments are beginning to enforce health mandates

  • Some Texans agree with Gov. Abbott's mask mandate ban, like retired Texas officer Eric Love, and he's a bit weary about the vaccine

Some local governments are beginning to enforce health mandates, such as masking up inside of businesses in hopes to curtail the public health crisis. Governor Greg Abbott, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, issued an executive order earlier this year prohibiting mask mandates and proof of vaccinations, but some businesses and county leaders have tried to overstep those orders in light of the delta wave.

Eric Love, a retired North Texas law enforcement officer said the political back and forth between state and local officials is beginning to wreak havoc in his community.

"I just think it's so mean-spirited right now the way people attack someone for a personal decision or choice," said Love. "Do you agree with the Governor? Absolutely because I don't think it should be mandatory. If you're concerned, please mask up. If I come to your house and you ask me to wear a mask, 'Hey, no problem, but we don't have to be adversaries.'"

The 54-year-old said he's beginning to feel a sense of disconnect around the community he once served. 

"Growing up I was vaccinated like everyone else," Love explained. "When this came out it was pushed so quick, I was apprehensive."

Love has made the decision to stay away from the poke in the arm, until the FDA can offer further reassurance. As of now, all COVID-19 shots currently available in the United States are under FDA Emergency Use Authorization, which means companies such Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson are immune from liability, if adverse reactions were to occur. 

"I'm not an anti-vax person, but if you look at the history of vaccinations, this country has a little bit of a marred track record when it comes to specific vaccinations or shots," said Love.

​In order for the vaccines to be fully approved, more rigorous clinical trials are needed. The FDA hopes to start authorizing full approvals by September. Until then, Love says the government nor anyone else can force anything into his body.

"If you want to wear a mask, please wear a mask. But it can't be mandated that everyone do something because the liberties that we enjoy today. If we do that, what's the next liberty we give away?" probed Love.

The North Texan says he rarely gets sick and hasn't caught COVID-19. He attributes it to being outdoors with those who are most vulnerable. On a weekly basis, Love and his wife are helping out where they can, while trying to stay positive through a public health crisis that has splintered Texans.

"My mindset was, 'I've been a healthy person. I'm going to continue doing what I'm doing,'" said Love. "I'm going to stay a healthy person and once it goes through its trials and the FDA says, 'Yep, we're good with this,' then that's when I would consider. For people who have taken it already, there's no judgement on my behalf. Everybody has to live their own life, but I don't need the government mandating me to do something specific."