102-Year-Old Woman Becomes Oldest To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine At THD Location

The Oklahoma State Health Department announced Thursday 10 percent of eligible adults in the state have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The same day, a 102-year-old woman joined the 373,279 Oklahomans who have gotten a shot.

Elenora Lipinski is believed to be the oldest to get vaccinated for COVID-19 at a Tulsa Health Department location.

"It didn't even hurt,” said Lipinski. “Not at all."

The Harrah native was born in 1918, when the Spanish Flu pandemic began.

"I am 102 and a half years old,” said Lipinski while laughing.

Getting vaccinated brings relief to family, like granddaughter Connie Lindsay, who lives in Tulsa and said it's a privilege to help her grandmother.

"I just could look around and thinking, 'I wonder how many lives are really being saved today?'” explained Lindsay.

Ellen Niemitalo with the Tulsa Health Department said the department has administered four vaccines to people 100 years old. Niemitalo also said Lipinski and her family are setting good examples.

"It is fabulous when you see those valued members who have taken good care of themselves and are taking the measures to continue to protect themselves," said Niemitalo.

Lipinski's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have all pitched in to protect her through the pandemic.

First, she couldn't have visitors for months while in assisted living. Then, when other residents and staff became infected with COVID-19, Lipinski stayed with Lindsay in Tulsa. Now, she's back in Harrah on the farm where she grew up.

"So, come over,” Lipinski invited News On 6. “Boy, we could get out and we could just dance."

Lipinski’s family wants this time of her life to be just as meaningful and hope they can get together to celebrate her 103rd birthday in June.

The family said they also hope their experience can remind others to not be afraid to ask for help and encourage everyone to look out for one another.