Virus jab rate in Northumberland tops two thirds

NHS data shows 187,670 people had received a vaccine jab by April 18 – 70% of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Of those vaccinated, 148,363 were aged 50 and over – 96% of the age group.

That means 39,307 people aged between 16 to 49 have received a first dose of the vaccine.

The data also reveals some variation in coverage between different areas across the area.

The proportion of residents prioritised for vaccinations – such as those aged 50 and over - is one of a range of factors that could affect vaccine coverage.

The areas with the highest coverage are Longhorsley, Hepscott and Capheaton, with 80.5% of people aged 16 and over given their first dose.

In Rothbury and Longframlington, the rate is 80% and in Amble, Shilbottle and Swarland the rate is 79.2%.

Areas with the lowest coverage are Ashington Hirst (57.4%), Seaton Delaval and Seghill (59.7%) and Blyth Cowpen (60.5%).

Nationally 27.5 million people had received their first dose of a vaccine by April 18 – covering 61% of the population aged 16 and over.

That includes 20 million people aged 50 and over – 95% of the age group.

The figures also show that 8.7 million people have had a second dose of the jab – 19% of people over 16.

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