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

The Government says the rollout is on track to meet a target of offering a first dose to everyone in the top four priority groups by the middle of February
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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 per cent from January 24.

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

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

They include:

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

22,422 given to people aged between 75 and 79 – 83 per cent

33,779 given to people aged 80 and over – 85 per cent

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 breakdown for Bedford.

Earlier this week, Bedford Today revealed how a new mass vaccination centre had opened its doors in Bedford with more than 200 members of the public receiving their jab on the first day.

The new centre - at Bedford Heights - is in addition to the ones already opened at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Temple, in Ford End Road, and King's House on Ampthill Road.

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 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.

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 per cent from the week before.