Commissioner of Health Vaccinates 107-Year-Old

GREENWOOD LAKE – Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman administered a dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to 107-year-old Sophia Bott on Sunday, March 21st at her Greenwood Lake home.

Dr. Gelman vaccinated homebound residents, predominantly seniors 65-years-old and over in Florida, Warwick, Port Jervis, Middletown, New Windsor, the Town of Wallkill, and City of Newburgh on Sunday.“It was an honor and a privilege to vaccinate Ms. Bott and incredibly rewarding to be able to vaccinate other Orange County residents on Sunday,” Dr. Gelman said. “Sophia was kind, lovely and quick-witted. I wish her many more happy and healthy years and want to thank all of the families who welcomed me into their homes.”

Bott, who will turn 108 on May 7th, has lived with her daughter, Veronica Avery, since she turned 100. She fractured her leg in February of last year and has issues walking. Before moving to Greenwood Lake with her daughter, Bott had been a resident of Whiting, N.J. since the 1970’s. She has four children, 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Bott also survived the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic as a child.

“I’m grateful to Dr. Gelman for coming to our home and vaccinating my mother,” Avery said. “Dr. Gelman was very kind and professional; she has a truly wonderful manner about her. She even spent some extra time talking with my mother and me. I want to thank (Orange) County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Dr. Gelman for everything that they have done for residents during this pandemic.”