Second virus jab figures top 40%

NHS data shows 30,766 people had received both jabs by May 23 – 41% of those over the age of 16.

Of those to have received both jabs, 26,919 were over 40 – 55% of the age group – and 3,847 people aged between 16 and 39 have received both doses.

In Hartlepool 71% of those aged 16 and over have received their first jab but the NHS vaccine data also reveals variations in coverage between different areas.

The areas with the highest first dose coverage are The Fens, Elwick and Hart, with 84% of people aged 16 and over given their first dose

This is followed by Wooler Road with 80.7% and Seaton Carew on 79.6%.

The areas with the lowest coverage are Harbour and Victoria (55.4%), Old Town and Grange (58.8%) and Foggy Furze (61.1%).

In England, 19.4 million people had received a second dose of the jab by May 23 – 43% of over 16s.

In total, 31.6 million people had received at least one dose of a vaccine by the same date, 70% of people over 16.

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

The figures show 844 out of 977 eligible staff, including agency workers, at older adult care homes had received a first dose by May 23 – 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.