Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen feels euphoric after receiving first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK

X-Men star Sir Ian McKellen is feeling euphoric and the reason is the COVID-19 vaccine. The 81-year-old has received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Queen Mary University Hospital in London.

"It's a very special day, I feel euphoric!" said the Lord of the Rings star on Wednesday, December 16. According to DailyMail, "The veteran British actor, 81, forms part of the first eligible groups for the vaccine and joins the thousands of over 80s, NHS staff, and care home staff who have been called upon by the NHS to attend their local GP practice or vaccination centre to be treated."

He further told DailyMail, "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 percent - 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."

“It’s a very special day, I feel euphoric. I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone. I feel very lucky to have had the vaccine.”

It’s a thumbs up from Sir @IanMckellen who received the first dose of his #CovidVaccine today ????https://t.co/W6JtOiwciR pic.twitter.com/otfqkj7I9J

— NHS London (@NHSEnglandLDN) December 16, 2020

'I really hope that, as more people get vaccinated, we will move further along the path back to a more normal way of life.'
⁰Sir @IanMcKellen joins the thousands of people who have now safely received the first dose of the #CovidVaccine. https://t.co/1e3nCAUFcB pic.twitter.com/FFW6jrKqEg

— NHS England and NHS Improvement (@NHSEngland) December 16, 2020

The UK, on December 2, became one of the first countries to grant Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of the tested and safe COVID-19 vaccine.