Sir Ian McKellen is now the lord of the vaccines!
On Dec. 17, the iconic actor shared an Instagram photo after getting the COVID-19 vaccine in the United Kingdom.
"It's a very special day," he wrote alongside the image. "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."
In getting the vaccine shot, the "Lord of the Rings" star said, "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."
The United Kingdom began its COVID-19 vaccine rollout on Dec. 8. Due to his age, Sir Ian, 81, was among the first people to be eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.
In a chat with ITV afterward, he praised healthcare workers.
"Next time I come, well no, six days after I next come I'm going to give them all a big hug – is that allowed? I don't know," he said.
Sir Ian acknowledged that the process can look intimidating, but said there's nothing to worry about.
"It is invasive of course, it looks like a weapon – a needle – but it isn't, it's a friend!" he said. "I would encourage everybody to do the sensible thing, not just for themselves but for everybody else because if you're virus-free that helps everybody else, doesn't it?"