40,000 in South Tyneside get second virus jab

NHS data shows 39,808 people had received both jabs by May 2 – 32% of those aged 16 and over.

Of those to have received both jabs, 34,691 were aged 45 and over – 48% of the age group – and 5,117 people aged between 16 to 44 have received both doses.

The figures also show that 68% 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 Cleadon and East Boldon, where 81.3% of people aged 16 and over given their first dose

Next comes Harton West with 78.3% and Fellgate & Hedworth on 73.5%.

The areas with the lowest coverage age South Shields West (55.4%), Westoe (61.8%) and Biddick Hill (61.9%)

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 South Tyneside have not been vaccinated.

The figures show 1,080 out of 1,234 eligible staff, including agency workers, at older adult care homes had received a first dose by May 2 – meaning 12% have not had a jab.