Lord of the Rings actor Sir Ian McKellen was amongst one of the first high-risk celebrities in the UK to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. The rollout started with healthcare workers, people living in care homes and the elderly.
The 81-year-old actor said he felt "euphoric" after receiving his vaccine at Queen Mary's University Hospital in London and went on to urge others to follow suit saying,"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."
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
Those receiving the Pfizer vaccine are given two doses, an initial shot, followed by a booster shot 21 days later to ensure the best possible chance of being protected against the virus.
According to the UK government, more than 137,000 people were vaccinated in the first week of the rollout.
Meanwhile, according to Eyewitness News, public health experts are warning South Africans not to hold their breath for a COVID-19 vaccine in the first half of next year.
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