Four in five people aged 80 and over in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes receive Covid-19 vaccine

Four in five people aged 80 and over in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

NHS data shows 89,799 people had been given their first jab by January 24.

Of those, 31,580 were aged 80 or over ­– equating to 80 per cent of the population in that age group, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

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.

Unfortunately, there is no specific breakdown for Bedford.

Last week, we revealed how the Guru Nanak temple vaccination centre had to temporarily shut due to a supply issue. It has now reopened.

Across England, 2,261,407 people aged 80 and over had received their first dose of the vaccine, covering 80 per cent of the age group, although the dosage figure includes a small number with registered addresses in Scotland or Wales.

People aged 80 and over are in one of four priority groups which Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged will be offered a vaccination by the middle of February.

The other groups include those aged over 70, frontline health and care workers and the extremely clinically vulnerable.

The Health Foundation think-tank says there could be "various reasons" behind the variation in vaccination rates for people aged 80 and over nationally, such as some areas receiving a larger supply of doses than others, or starting the rollout earlier.

Charles Tallack, from the foundation, said: "This data represents a snapshot in time, variation will narrow as the programme continues.

"Going forward, it will be important for policy makers to understand why such variation exists so that steps can be taken to address inequalities that emerge."

The data also shows 58,219 people aged between 16 and 79 across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes had received a first vaccination dose.

It means 12 per cent 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.

There are at least seven of these services in the Bedfordshire area.

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, 4,755 people had received their second dose by January 24, including 4,100 people aged 80 and over.