Ian McKellen says he feels 'euphoric' after getting his COVID-19 vaccine

You shall not pass up the chance to get your COVID-19 vaccine, Sir Ian McKellen says.

The 81-year-old actor received a dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in London, calling it a "very special day" and saying he feels "euphoric," BBC News reports.

The Lord of the Rings star also said he feels "very lucky" to have received the vaccine, which for now is being administered to those in high-risk groups and requires a second dose, adding he "would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone" when it becomes available to them.

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"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," the actor said, per ITV.

McKellen called the process "painless" and "convenient" while noting that "anyone who has lived as long as I have is alive because they have had previous vaccinations," The Daily Mail reports.

Britain's COVID-19 vaccination drive began last week after the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech was approved there, and vaccinations have since begun in the United States as well. Numerous politicians and other officials have said they plan to receive their COVID-19 vaccine in public to show that it's safe and encourage the public to get it, and Vice President Mike Pence plans to receive his Friday on camera.