Kirkland woman celebrates 100th birthday with second COVID-19 shot

KIRKLAND, Wash. — On her 100th birthday, Vivian Pemble was celebrated with a COVID-19-safe birthday parade.

Friends and family lined the streets of their Kirkland neighborhood with balloons and signs.

She also got cake and wore a sash and a tiara.

But it was walking into Overlake Hospital days later that really gave her reason to celebrate. That’s when she got her second shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

KIRO 7 caught up with her as soon as she walked out.

“I hope it’s like my first one. Because I didn’t have any effects. I was fine,” Pemble said.

For Pemble, who has led a life well-lived going back to her days as a USO performer during World War II, it’s a hopeful sign that life can soon return to normal.

“You have to get the vaccine. You have to get rid of this virus. And start living again like we used to,” Pemble said.

She’s survived her husband of 60 years who passed in 2007.

Pemble’s secret to a long lifeis keeping active and dancing, which is something she’s been doing since she was a little girl.

“I do exercise when I get up. And I was a tap dancer, so I can’t do it standing. But when I’m sitting down, I do my tap routines,” Pemble said.

But that’s not all.

“I do a happy hour every day — a glass of white wine. Helped me. So hopefully, it will help you,” she added.

KIRO 7 checked in with her the day after her vaccination. She said she is still feeling great and doesn’t even have a sore arm.

She’s determined to make it to the other side of this pandemic, so that’s why she’s encouraging people to get vaccinated and keep masking up.

Cox Media Group