Three out of five have now had virus jab

NHS data shows 45,832 people in the area had received a vaccine jab by April 4 – equating to 61% of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Of those vaccinated, 35,540 were aged 50 or over – 94% of the age group.

It means 10,292 people aged between 16 and 49 have received a first dose of the vaccine.

The data also reveals variation in coverage between different areas across the area – although the ONS say the proportion of residents prioritised for vaccinations, such as those aged over 50, is one factor that could affect vaccine coverage.

The areas with the highest coverage was The Fens, Elwick & Hart, with 72.5% of people aged 16 and over given their first dose

Next was Seaton Carew with 68.9% and the Wooler Road area (68.8%).

The areas with the lowest coverage were Harbour & Victoria (46.2%), Old Town and Grange (50.8%) and Foggy Furze (51.9%).

Nationally, 26.6 million people had received their first dose of a vaccine by April 4, covering 58% of the population aged 16 and over.

That includes 19.8 million people aged 50 and over – 94% of the age group.

The figures also show that 4.3 million people have had a second dose of the jab.

A small number of people are not included in the figures due to their age being unknown.