Sir Ian McKellen has spoken of his “euphoria” at being among the first people to receive the new Covid-19 jab.
The long-awaited vaccine arrived in GP practices across England on Monday, with those over the age of 80 receiving top priority.
On Wednesday evening, award-winning actor Sir Ian McKellen posed for photos receiving the first of his two jabs, admitting he felt “euphoric” to have been given the vaccine.
“It’s a very special day, I feel euphoric,” he said.
“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.”
The 81-year-old continued: “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.”
Earlier in the week, Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith shared a photo of herself getting the jab on social media, tweeting: “Who wouldn’t want immunity from #Covid19 with a painless jab??”
Since then, showbiz veteran Lionel Blair has also had the injection, stating: “I’m hoping it’s going to make me live a bit longer! And seeing my grandchildren and children growing up.
“The whole thing means a great deal to me.”
The 92-year-old said he “hadn’t been out” due to coronavirus restrictions, and that anyone who refused the offer to receive the jab is “crazy”.
Two jabs are needed for the recipient to gain immunity from Covid-19, with an interval of three weeks required between injections.
While Sir Ian, Prue and Lionel are among the first high-profile celebrities to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, a number of other public figures have said they would receive the jab publicly, to encourage others to do the same when they were eligible.
Earlier this month, Piers Morgan said he would get the vaccine live on Good Morning Britain, saying: “I just feel like it’s really important if we are going to get through this that enough people take it.”