More than half of the Wakefield population have received their first dose of Covid vaccine

More than half of people in Wakefield have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

NHS data shows 152,067 people had received a vaccine jab by March 21 – equating to 54% of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Of those vaccinated, 118,919 were aged 50 or over – 87% of the age group.

It means 33,148 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 Wakefield.

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) Sandal, with 67.1% of people aged 16 and over given their first dose

2) Pontefract South West, 64.9%

3) Crofton, 63.1%

Areas with the lowest coverage:

1) Wakefield St John's, 37.7%

2) Wakefield Central, 39.5%

3) Agbrigg & Belle Isle, 40.1%

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

That includes 18.3 million people aged 50 and over – 87% of the age group.

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

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