While the BioNTech Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is still waiting for approval by the FDA in the United States, across the pond in Great Britain, it has already been approved, and patients are already getting vaccinated.

On Tuesday morning, December 8, 2020, 90-year-old Margaret Keenan was the very first patient to roll up her sleeve to receive the first dose of the vaccine. Her birthday is next week, and she explained to NBC News that she thinks of the vaccine as an early birthday present that will allow her to see her family again in 2021.

“It’s the best early birthday present I could wish for. 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.”

Keenan, who has been dubbed “Patient A,” advises anyone who is able to get the vaccine to go ahead and get it.

“My advice to anyone offered the vaccine is to take it. If I can do it, so can you.”

A nurse named May Parsons administered the shot to Keenan, and she feels honored that she was able to do so.

“For me to be able to offer that to Margaret today, the first one, I feel very privileged and thankful and proud. So hopefully we’ll see light at the end of the tunnel.”

Watch the video below for more about this historic and hopeful moment.

Fifty hospitals in the U.K. currently have the vaccine. There are plans for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to get vaccinated. So far, the U.K. has purchased enough doses to vaccinate 20 million people.

Are you going to get the vaccine when it becomes available?