december if current trends continue. i ve seen a lot of people die over the last year and a half, and it is picking up pace at a sort of unprecedented rate. it s never been as bad as it is right now. it s truly awful. reporter: texas today nearing its highest number of covid patients. some hospitals so overwhelmed, they re forced to transfer the sick. but in houston, a glimmer of hope. a long line of cars at this vaccine site as cash incentives and the mounting crisis push more people to get the shot. woo! it s over! reporter: michelle tate was finally able to get the vaccine after almost losing her life. the 42-year-old mother was waiting to get the shot when she got sick in march. after three months in a coma at houston s memorial hermann hospital, michelle faced an agonizing road back, learning to walk and talk all over again. i decided to get the vaccine because i thought to myself, there is absolutely no way that i m leaving the safety of this hospital without being vacc