William Shakespeare, second person in the world to get vaccinated against COVID-19, dies

William “Bill” Shakespeare, the first man and the second person in the world to receive a clinically approved COVID-19 vaccine, has died after suffering a stroke unrelated to the jab, according to reports.

Shakespeare, 81, reportedly died on Thursday, May 20, at the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, the same place where his historic inoculation took place.

Through the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Shakespeare’s wife of 53 years, Joy, said, “Bill was so grateful for being offered the opportunity to become one of the first people in the world to be given the vaccine. It was something he was hugely proud of—he loved seeing the media coverage and the positive difference he was able to make to the lives of so many.”

She added, “He often talked to people about it and would always encourage everyone to get their vaccine whenever he could.”

Shakespeare leaves behind his wife, two sons and grandchildren.

On Dec. 8, 2020, Shakespeare received his first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, following 91-year-old Margaret Keenan, the very first person to be inoculated against COVID-19 in the UK. Filipina nurse May Parsons administered both of the historic jabs.

After being vaccinated, Shakespeare said he was “pleased” to be given the jab, and the staff at the hospital had been “wonderful,” according to BBC.

He made headlines not only for his historic jab but also because of his famous namesake, the English poet and playwright SHakespeare. Social media had a field day with puns of the famous writer’s works including “The Taming of the Flu” and a tweet that said “If Margaret Keenan is Patient 1A for the vaccine, would William Shakespeare be 2B, or not 2B…”

Coventry Councilor Jayne Innes, a friend of Shakespeare, said the “best tribute to Bill is to have the jab.”

She also tweeted that Shakespeare, who was a talented photographer and loved music, "will be remembered for many things including a taste for mischief." In another tweet she said, "He was a much respected figure in the Coventry Labour Party and he will be sorely missed.”