British actor Sir Ian McKellen receives COVID-19 vaccine in the UK

At 81 years old, British actor Sir Ian McKellen, who starred in blockbuster film franchises like X-Men, Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit, was one of the first recipients of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine which he received at the Queen Mary's University Hospital in London last December 18.

The veteran actor, who is known to movie lovers as Gandalf the wizard in the LOTR series and as Magneto in the X-Men films, also voiced his approval of the vaccine and encouraged his followers to follow suit as well.

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On his Instagram account he wrote, “It’s a very special day, 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%—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. Of course, it’s painless… it’s convenient, and getting in touch and meeting NHS staff and saying thank you to them for how hard they’ve been working is a bonus, I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone. I feel very lucky to have had the vaccine.”