[**Original NHS Tweet**](https://twitter.com/NHSEngland/status/1339316720708804609): "I really hope that, as more people get vaccinated, we will move further along the path back to a more normal way of life." Sir [**@IanMcKellen**](https://twitter.com/IanMcKellen)** **joins the thousands of people who have now safely received the first dose of the [**#CovidVaccine**](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CovidVaccine?src=hashtag_click). [**http://****nhs.uk/CovidVaccine**](https://t.co/1e3nCAUFcB?amp=1)
## Ian McKellen gets his first anti-COVID shot
Frequent West End actor and Hollywood blockbuster movie star **Ian McKellen** has taken the first shot of a two-dose COVID vaccine. The UK was the first country in the world to authorise and begin administering the Pfizer vaccine. The roll-out began in early December with front-line workers, NHS employees, and the elderly the first to receive the initial batch.
McKellen was on the West End stage at the [**Noel Coward Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/noel-coward-theatre-london) just a week or so ago when he appeared in [***The Comeback***](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-comeback-tickets), which stars **Ben Ashenden** and **Alex Owen**. The **Emily Burns**-directed play was among the many shows forced to close due to [**London's stricter Tier 3 measures**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/west-end-and-london-theatres-to-close-on-wednesday-until-further-notice). McKellen will return to get his second Pfizer shot in a few weeks' time, after which he will be immune to the virus SARS-CoV-2 for some time. Though doctors still don't know for how long.
### Ian McKellen: "You're doing your bit for society."
Ian McKellen spoke after receiving the vaccine: "*It's a very special day, I feel euphoric*.
"*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 per cent - 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.*"
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