Half of Preston had Covid-19 vaccination

Half of people in Preston have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

NHS data shows 57,238 people had received a vaccine jab by March 21 – equating to 50 per cent of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Of those vaccinated, 40,107 were aged 50 or over – 87 per cent of the age group.

It means 17,131 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 Preston.

The proportion of residents prioritised for vaccinations, such as those aged over 55, is one factor that could affect vaccine coverage.

Areas with the highest coverage:

1) Broughton and Wychnor, with 75.3 per cent of people aged 16 and over given their first dose

2) Fulwood, 66.8 per cent

3) Cadley & College, 66.2 per cent

Areas with the lowest coverage:

1) St George's, 28.5 per cent

2) Preston Town Centre, 33.1 per cent

3) Plungington & University, 36 per cent

Across England, 23.7m people had received their first dose of a vaccine by March 21, covering 52 per cent of the population aged 16 and over.

That includes 18.3m people aged 50 and over – 87 per cent of the age group.

The figures also show that 1.6m people have had a second dose of the jab.

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