NHS England said in a press release that McKellen, 81, formed one of the first “eligible groups” for the vaccine, which is being rolled out to people over 80, health workers and home residents.
The vaccination program reaches its second week, added NHS England, which described it as “the biggest breakthrough since the pandemic began, which could save tens of thousands of lives”.
Earlier this month, the UK became the first Western country to authorize a Covid-19 vaccine after regulators granted emergency authorization for the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine.
In statements after receiving the punch, McKellen is quoted in the press release as saying, “I am honored to have received the Covid-19 vaccine and would ask anyone who is offered the vaccine to take the offer: go take a few minutes and then done.
“I really hope that as more people are vaccinated, we move further on the path to a more normal way of life, especially for the arts that have suffered so much this year.
“We all have a role to play in the fight against coronavirus and doing our bit and vaccinating ourselves will save lives.”
The vaccine is given in two doses, separated for at least 21 days. It works “by teaching the immune system to defend itself from attack,” NHS England said.
Dr Nikki Kanani, medical director of primary care at NHS England, said: “The NHS has started excellently to roll out the Covid-19 vaccine across the country, with dozens of hospitals and now hundreds of vaccination services. premises that offer the vaccine to those who need it most. “