Nearly half of people in Basingstoke and Deane have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

NHS data shows 63,609 people had received a vaccine jab by March 14 – equating to 45 per cent of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Of those vaccinated, 44,888 were aged 55 or over – 85 per cent of the age group.

It means 18,721 people aged between 16 and 54 have received a first dose of the vaccine.

The data also reveals variation in coverage between different areas across Basingstoke and Deane.

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 were East Oakley (58 per cent), Kempshott (57 per cent), Old Basing & the Candovers (54.9 per cent). Areas with the lowest coverage were Kings Furlong (35.9 per cent), Central, Black Dam and Eastrop (36.5 per cent) and Hatch Warren (36.5 per cent).

Across England, 20.7 million people had received their first dose of a vaccine by March 14, covering 45 per cent of the population aged 16 and over.

That includes 14.5 million people aged 55 and over – 85 per cent of the age group.

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

The Government has pledged to offer vaccinations to everyone aged over 50 by the end of April.