BUCYRUS—Dorothy Russell is not only making her way through the current COVID-19 pandemic, but she was born during the Spanish Flu pandemic 102 years ago.

Dorothy celebrated her 102nd birthday in December.

“I was born in December of 1918,” said Russell, right after receiving her second dose of the COVID-19 pandemic at the Crawford County Public Health Department on Friday.

Her daughter, Claudia Russell, also received her second dose of the vaccine on Friday.

“Mom was born towards the end of the Spanish Flu pandemic. She only remembers what her parents told her about it when she got older,” said Claudia, who lives with her mom in the rural Bucyrus area.

Claudia, 78, received her shot inside the health department building but Dorothy was given a shot inside their vehicle since it is difficult for her to get around safely.

“We didn’t have all the things they do now during the other pandemic,” said Dorothy, who is grateful to have been vaccinated against the deadly Coronavirus.

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), approximately 50 million people died during the Spanish Flu pandemic throughout the world and about 675,000 of those deaths occurred in the United States. Currently, there have been 2.37 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19 and over 475,000 of those deaths have occurred within the United States.

During her childhood, Dorothy survived measles and chickenpox.

According to Crawford County Health Commissioner Kate Siefert, Dorothy has said she remembers being vaccinated for polio and the swine flu.

“It’s not often you meet someone who lived through two pandemics,” said Siefert.

She said that the stories from the elderly members of our community have been amazing and many veterans have been to the health department to receive their vaccinations.

“Most were absolutely thrilled to be getting vaccinated. That generation, I absolutely love their style, showed up looking like they were wearing their Sunday best, were all smiles, shared their gratitude, thanked us repeatedly, and also expressed that for many, this was their first outing in months since their children and grandchildren bring them their groceries and take care of them,” said Siefert.

Claudia said her mom has only been out of the house only to go to doctor appointments that are necessary.

“I have been doing all of the shopping so she did not have to go out much. We are both happy to have our vaccines now,” said Claudia.

Currently, people 65 and older can make their appointments to receive their first dose of the vaccine at several locations throughout the county:

Avita Bucyrus Hospital and Galion Community Hospitals at 419-468-0800

Crawford County Public Health at 419-562-5871

Bucyrus Health and Wellness at 419-834-8889

Galion City Health Department 419-468-1075

Discount Drug Mart in Galion at 844-625-0843

Kroger Pharmacy in Bucyrus at 866-211-5320

For more information, visit the CDC website.