100,000 in Northumberland get both virus jabs

NHS data shows 104,822 people had received both jabs by May 9 – 39% of those aged 16 and over.

Of those to have received both jabs, 95,830 were over 40 – 50% of the age group – and 8,992 people aged between 16 to 39 have also received both doses.

Nationally, a third of people over the age of 16 have received their second vaccine dose.

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

The data shows 74% of those aged over 16 have had one jab.

The areas with the highest coverage Longhorsley, Hepscott and Capheaton, with 84.9% of people aged 16 and over given their first dose

This was followed by Rothbury and Longframlington with 81.8% and Amble, Shilbottle and Swarland on 81.7%.

The areas with the lowest coverage are Ashington Hirst (62.2%), Blyth Cowpen (64%) and Seaton Delaval and Seghill (64.6%).

Nationally, 15 million people had received a second dose of the jab by May 9.

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

The figures show 2,982 out of 3,370 eligible staff, including agency workers, at older adult care homes had received a first dose by May 9 – meaning 12% have not had a jab.

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