Nearly two thirds get virus jab

NHS data shows 76,667 people in the borough had received a vaccine jab by April 11 – 62% of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Of those vaccinated, 59,396 were aged 50 and over – 94% of the age group.

That means 17,271 people aged between 16 to 49 have received a first dose of the vaccine.

The data also reveals a wide variation in coverage between different areas across South Tyneside

The proportion of residents prioritised for vaccinations, such as those aged 50 and over, is one factor that could affect vaccine coverage.

The area with the highest coverage is Cleadon and East Boldon,where 74.1% of people aged 16 and over have been given their first dose

The next area is Harton West with 72.6% and Fellgate & Hedworth, 68%

The areas with the lowest coverage are South Shields West (50.4%0, Westoe (56.6%) and Biddick Hill (56.6%).

Across England, 26.9 million people had received their first dose of a vaccine by April 11 – covering 59% 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 6.4 million people have had a second dose of the jab – 14% of people over 16.

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