Covid-19 vaccine coverage in Bedford: here are the neighbourhoods with the highest coverage

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

NHS data shows 72,792 people had received a vaccine jab by March 21 – equating to 53 per cent of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Of those vaccinated, 56,827 were aged 50 or over – 88 per cent of the age group.

It means 15,965 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 Bedford.

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) Riseley and Sharnbrook, with 66.5 per cent of people aged 16 and over given their first dose

2) Putnoe, 65.5 per cent

3) Harrold, Chellington & Turvey, 63.9 per cent

Areas with the lowest coverage:

1) Queens Park, 35.1 per cent

2) Cauldwell, 39 per cent

3) Castle and Kingsway, 41.8 per cent

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

That includes 18.3 million people aged 50 and over – 87 per cent 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.