First man to get Covid jab William Shakespeare dies of unrelated illness

The second person in the world to get the Pfizer-BioNTech jab has died of an unrelated illness.

William Shakespeare, 81, received his first Covid vaccine in December at University Hospital Coventry shortly after 91-year-old Margaret Keenan, reports the BBC.

Coventry councillor Jayne Innes, a friend of Shakespeare, said he had died on Thursday and added the "best tribute to Bill is to have the jab".

Shakespeare had worked at Rolls Royce and was a parish councillor.

The 81-year-old, who had served his local community in Allesley for more than three decades and was an inpatient on the hospital's frailty ward at the time of his first jab, said it had been "wonderful".

Innes wrote in a post on Facebook: "Bill will be remembered for many things, including a taste for mischief."

She said he had always been proud to be from Coventry and had served as a governor at Allesley Primary and Coundon Court schools.

Shakespeare leaves his wife Joy, their two adult sons and grandchildren.

West Midlands Labour group said on Twitter: "Bill made global headlines as [the first] man to have Covid vaccine.

"His decades of service to the party were recently recognised by Keir Starmer.

"Our thoughts are with Joy and Bill's family and friends."