CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A resident of an assisted living facility in Arlington Heights is believed to be the oldest person in Illinois to get the vaccine.
Elzora Costello, 109, was first in line for vaccinations at 8:30 a.m. Monday at the Luther Village senior residential community. She was one of the community's 750 residents and 60 staff members scheduled to be vaccinated by Wednesday.
"We are thrilled to death," said Rick Remington, Luther Village's director of operations.
Nursing home facilities have been especially hard hit by the virus.
Costello's granddaughter Cindy Vilcak told the Daily Herald family members talked about it first with doctors.
"I was just nervous, because it's such a newer vaccine and we don't know the long-term effect," Vilcak said. "But we talked and we were like, 'Yeah, this is a good thing.'"
Ultimately the family explained to Costello, "there is a virus and you should get this shot," and she said okay.
Related
State officials reported Monday that records indicate the oldest individual to date to receive a COVID-19 vaccination is 109 years old. Additional information couldn't be provided for confidentiality reasons, but it is believed to be Costello.
Costello is also the oldest resident of Luther Village. She has lived there for more than 20 years. Her three children have died, but she has 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.