70,000 in Sunderland get second virus jab

NHS data shows 71,576 people had received both jabs by May 2 – 31% of those aged 16 and over.

Of those to have received both jabs, 61,781 were aged 45 and over – 47% of the age group – and 9,795 people aged between 16 to 44 have received both doses.

The figures also show that 68% of those aged over 16 have now had one jab.

Across England, more than a quarter of people aged 16 and over have received their second vaccine dose.

The data also reveals an area by area variation in those who had received at least one dose of the vaccine.

The ares with the highest coverage is Seaburn, where 79.6% of people aged 16 and over given their first dose.

Next comes Herrington and Doxford with 79.5% and Hall Farm with 76.2%.

The areas with the lowest coverage are Sunderland Central and Deptford (41.6%), Millfield (51.2%) and Barnes Park (59.1%).

Across England, 12.9 million people had received a second dose of the jab by May 2 – 28% of those over 16.

Despite the success of the rollout, many staff at care homes in Sunderland have not been vaccinated.

The figures show 1,938 out of 2,232 eligible staff, including agency workers, at older adult care homes had received a first dose by May 2 – meaning 13% have not had a jab.

The Government is currently in consultation over plans to make the jab mandatory for staff over concerns for residents.