Extent of Covid vaccine hesitancy for residents aged 50 plus

This is despite being invited to book a jab more than two months ago, according to the latest figures.

The NHS has hailed reaching the ‘home straight’ of the vaccination rollout, with people aged 25 and over now being invited to come forward.

Three-quarters of the adult population across England have had their first dose, while more than half are fully vaccinated.

But figures suggest there is still hesitancy amongst over 50s in some areas, which could slow the race against the virus as the dominant Indian variant claims more cases.

Latest data reveals extent of vaccine hesitancy among residents aged 50 and over

People aged 50 and over have been invited to book their first jab through the NHS since March 17.

But NHS England data shows in Warrington, 1,406 people aged 50 and over had still to receive a first vaccination dose as of May 30, equating to two per cent of the age group.

The figure was highest in Woolston, where 4.4 per cent of over 50s had not received a Covid jab by this point.

Across England, four per cent of people aged 50 and over – 800,600 adults – had not been vaccinated as of May 30.

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In the north west, four per cent of people aged 50 and over were unvaccinated.

A study by PHE has found that protection against the Indian variant is only 33 per cent after a first dose of vaccine, but at least 60 per cent after a second.

Dr Emily Lawson, NHS lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme, said it is key that people book their second jab.

She added: “Getting both doses is what will give everyone the maximum possible protection against Covid.”