19,000 in Hartlepool get second virus jab

NHS data shows 18,947 people had received both jabs by May 2 – 25% of those aged 16 and over.

Of those to have received both jabs, 15,855 were aged 45 and over – 36% of the age group – and 3,094 people aged between 16 to 44 have received both doses.

The figures also show that 65% of those aged over 16 have now had one jab.

Across England, more than a quarter of people aged 16 and over have received their second vaccine dose.

The data also reveals an area by area variation in those who had received at least one dose of the vaccine.

The areas with the highest coverage are The Fens, Elwick and Hart, with 77.8% of people aged 16 and over given their first dose.

Next comes Wooler Road on 74%, followed by Seaton Carew with 73.4%.

The areas with the lowest coverage are Harbour and Victoria (51.3%), Old Town and Grange (54.5%) and Foggy Furze (56.6%)

Across England, 12.9 million people had received a second dose of the jab by May 2 – 28% of those over 16.

Despite the success of the rollout, many staff at care homes in Hartlepool have not been vaccinated.

The figures show 870 out of 1,012 eligible staff, including agency workers, at older adult care homes had received a first dose by May 2 – meaning 14% have not had a jab.

The Government is currently in consultation over plans to make the jab mandatory for staff over concerns for residents.