SOUTHAMPTON residents are being urged to "not delay" getting their "life-saving jab" as figures show the city has one of the lowest rates for vaccinations along the south coast.

Vaccination bosses are encouraging more people to get their first and second vaccine dose to greatly reduce the chance of becoming seriously ill.

It comes after an interactive map has revealed that Southampton has one of the lowest rates for vaccinations along the south coast.

The map, on the Gov.uk website, shows that the city has some of the lowest vaccine rated across the whole of Hampshire.

It revealed that 66.2 per cent of people have had their first dose and 45.8 per cent of people have had their second.

This is compared to places such as Eastleigh, in which 84 per cent and 63.7 per cent have had their first and second dose.

In the New Forest, 87.3 per cent have had their first dose while 71 per cent have had their second and in Test Valley 85.7 per cent have had the first jab and 65.3 have had their second.

Jenny Erwin, Senior Responsible Officer for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “We are pulling out all the stops to encourage adults across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Working with our partners we are holding large walk-in events at Southampton Guildhall on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July where anyone aged 18 or over who have not yet had the vaccine can grab a jab.

"Full safety measures will be in place including social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting. More events are planned to take place in the heart of our communities in Southampton in the coming weeks.

"The more people who get the life-saving jab, the safer it is for everyone so if you have not yet had your vaccine, please don’t delay.”

It comes as the Southampton vaccine centre in Oakley Road is due to offer walk-ins this Sunday and Monday.

From 10am to 12pm and 5pm to 7pm on July 4 and 5, people will be able to visit Oakley Road vaccine centre for a walk-in jab - with no booking needed.

Bosses at the centre have said that the centre has been "busy" and they are "still hoping for more people".

Elaine Peachey, head nurse at Oakley Road vaccine centre said: "It's been really busy this morning. We're still hoping for more people.

"I'm delighted to see more young people coming and embracing the vaccine. Many have been talking about things they're looking forward to like festivals.

"Most younger people have said they were encouraged by older relatives to get vaccinated. We're hoping for more people to come on the walk in sessions this Sunday and Monday."

Morgan Grady, a visitor at the centre, added: "I really hate needles but the staff were really nice.

"I came to get vaccinated for my own health mainly. I'm looking forward to seeing my grandparents."

Dr Nigel Watson, Clinical Lead for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “Getting the vaccine is our best defence against COVID-19 – with every adult vaccinated, we are one step closer to our summer freedoms.

"The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 and will greatly reduce the chances of you becoming seriously ill."