AROUND a third of people in Southampton have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

NHS data shows 68,860 people had received a vaccine jab by March 7 ­– equating to 33% of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Of those vaccinated, 38,541 were aged 60 or over – 86% of the age group.

It means 30,319 people aged between 16 and 59 have received a first dose of the vaccine.

The data also reveals variation in coverage between different areas across Southampton.

The proportion of residents prioritised for vaccinations, such as those aged over 60, is one factor that could affect vaccine coverage.

Areas with the highest coverage:

  1. Aldermoor & Lordswood, with 53.6% of people aged 16 and over given their first dose
  2. Coxford & Lordshill, 52.9%
  3. Hollybrook, 48%

Areas with the lowest coverage:

  1. Central Southampton West, 14%
  2. Newtown & Nicholstown, 15.4%
  3. Central Southampton East, 15.9%

Across England, 19 million people had received their first dose of a vaccine by March 7, covering 42% of the population aged 16 and over.

That includes 12 million people aged 60 and over – 89% of the age group.

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

The Government has pledged to offer vaccinations to everyone aged over 50 by the end of April.