Sir Ian McKellen is over the moon as he revealed that he received the first of two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The 81-year-old actor, best known for his role in ‘Lord of the Rings’ series and ‘X-Men’, was reportedly administered the shot at London’s Queen Mary’s University Hospital on Wednesday, stated a report on the Evening Standard.
Calling it a ‘very special day’ the actor admitted that he felt “euphoric” after receiving the vaccine.
“Anyone who has lived as long as I have is alive because they have had previous vaccinations, the take-up amongst the older generation will be 100 per cent — it ought to be — because you’re having it not just for yourself but for people who you are close to — you’re doing your bit for society,” McKellen said in a statement.
Saying he feels “very lucky” to have had the vaccine, he also did his bit to encourage others to get it.
Assuring all it is painless, he went on to ask people to meet National Health Service staff to say “thank you” for their efforts.
The United Kingdom became the first country to roll out the COVID vaccine earlier this month.