A 105-year-old woman from the Cloquet area was among 150 people 65 and older that got the COVID-19 vaccine at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet Friday.

Martha Westlund, who's from Twig, but lives on Grand Lake, was excited to get vaccinated. 

"In my age there's kind of ups and the downs you know, but I'm happy," said Westlund.

Efforts to vaccinate more and more people in the Northland are underway. Although supply continues to be limited, numerous agencies are distributing doses.

Westlund has lived through two pandemics and her positive attitude has kept her going. Her son, Tim, was by her side helping her get through the special moment. She described her reaction when she found out she was getting the vaccine.

"I was happy because I think it's a good thing. Our world is a little bit in bad condition but the vaccine will help all of us," said Westlund.

Shelly Demers, Director of Staff Education and Infection Prevention administered the shot. Demers asked Westlund if she was ready for the shot, she responded by saying "sure" and took it like a champ.

Westlund will be back to get her second dose in a few weeks. Westlund said she was only three-years-old old when the 1918 pandemic happened, so she doesn't remember too much of it. She said the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard since she hasn't been able to see her family as much. She has four kids and six grand kids.

Westlund has been cooped up at home with her pets, Tibby and Pepper, who keep her company.

"I don't have much visitors right now, they don't want to bring anything in to the old lady.  I do quite a bit of walking in the house," said Westlund.

She looks forward to spending time with her family again soon and is happy to see more vaccinations rolling out.

Meanwhile in St. Louis County, Public Health Divison Director Amy Westbrook said over 25,000 people in the county have been vaccinated so far, which is over 12 percent of the population.

"We do hear a lot of success stories in terms of people are so happy to be getting vaccine and having that be accessible to them," said Westbrook.

Westbrook said they are finishing groups in phase 1a and are also working with community partners to assure vaccine is available for vulnerable populations like those experiencing homelessness.

Public Health was at CHUM Friday vaccinating staff and residents. About 50 people got vaccinated.

To see the original story and related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/news/105-year-old-covid-vaccine-martha-westlund-/6003006/?cat=10335