Sir Ian McKellen, the 81-year-old actor best known for playing Gandalf, Magneto, and a horrifying cat monster, got his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, according to CNN. When it was over, McKellen said he felt “euphoric” and urged everyone who’s medically able to get vaccinated as well.
“I feel very lucky to have had the vaccine,” McKellen tweeted Thursday. “I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone.”
I feel very lucky to have had the vaccine. I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone. https://t.co/gBLRR0OeJc
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) December 17, 2020
McKellen’s vaccination isn’t complete. The U.K. authorized a vaccine for use over two weeks ago and has since been distributing doses to thousands, but the full vaccination requires two separate injections taken at least three weeks apart.
For now, McKellen is urging as many people as possible to get the process started.
“I feel honoured to have received the COVID-19 vaccine and I would urge anyone who is offered the vaccine to take up the offer – it took a few minutes and then it was done,” McKellen said in a U.K. National Health Service press release.
“I really hope that, as more people get vaccinated, we will move further along the path back to a more normal way of life, particularly for the arts which have suffered so much this year,” he added. “We all have a part to play in the fight against coronavirus and doing our bit and getting vaccinated will save lives.”
In the meantime, those of us who haven’t yet been offered a vaccine are still stuck spending our time on the internet — so here’s how some responded to the news:
The vaccine is totally safe and effective but does have one small side effect pic.twitter.com/7BZYHB0z4s
— Slade (@Slade) December 17, 2020
— Patrick Sullivan (@PatchNavillus) December 17, 2020
