Two-thirds of people aged 70 and over in Luton, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes receive Covid-19 vaccine

Two-thirds of people aged 70 and over in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

NHS data shows 115,973 people had received their first jab by January 31, an increase of 29% from January 24.

Of those, 71,539 were aged 70 or over ­– equating to 67% of the population in that age group, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

They include:

> 15,338 given to people aged between 70 and 74 – 39% of the age group

> 22,422 given to people aged between 75 and 79 – 83%

> 33,779 given to people aged 80 and over – 85%.

The figures cover people vaccinated in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes sustainability and transformation partnership area ­– a collaboration between local NHS services and councils aimed at improving health care.

Across England, around 5 million people aged 70 and over had received their first dose of the vaccine by the end of January, covering 67% of the age group – although the dosage figure includes a small number with registered addresses in Scotland or Wales.

The Government says the vaccine rollout is on track to meet a target of offering a first dose of the vaccine to everyone in the top four priority groups by the middle of February.

Older care home residents, care home workers, people aged over 70, frontline health and social care workers and the clinically extremely vulnerable make up the four groups.

The data also shows 44,434 people aged between 16 and 69 across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes had received a first vaccination dose.

It means 16% of people aged 16 and over living in the area have received their first jab.

The Government's plan to provide vaccinations at more than 2,500 locations across England should ensure everyone will be within 10 miles of a centre.

Vaccinations are currently being given in major hospitals, pharmacies and newly-set-up centres such as football stadiums and out-of-town parking areas.

This is on top of more than 1,000 local vaccinations services in surgeries, community centres and churches.

After the first dose of the vaccine, people should receive a follow-up jab within 12 weeks, according to current guidance.

Across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, 4,860 people had received their second dose by January 31, up 2% from the week before.