LONDON, UK — It was a big moment in the global battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
Applause echoed in a hospital hallway Tuesday as 90-year-old Margaret Keenan was greeted by staff after she became the first person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK.
NHS Midlands tweeted video of the moment, which was viewed more than 201,000 times as of 12:30 p.m.
"I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against COVID-19," Keenan said. "It’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the new year after being on my own for most of the year."
Her vaccination comes just days after the UK authorized emergency use of the shot, which was developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.
The United States, meanwhile, has not yet approved any COVID-19 vaccines, but the Food and Drug Administration is expected to meet Thursday to discuss the next steps.
U.S. regulators also posted a review of the vaccine Tuesday, which you can examine here.
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