AROUND a quarter of under-30s in Basingstoke and Deane have yet to receive a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

Despite renewed appeals from politicians and a host of pop-up vaccination centres across the country, the latest national statistics suggest a hesitancy among some people aged between 18 and 29.

Professor Adam Finn, member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, believes many younger people think they are safe from the virus despite a recent surge in Covid hospital admissions, and warned people "not to die of ignorance".

NHS England data shows in Basingstoke and Deane, 19,399 people aged between 18 and 29 had received a first dose of a vaccine by August 7 – at least 74 per cent of the age group, based on the number of people on the National Immunisation Management Service.

It means around 26 percent of this cohort were yet to receive a jab at that point, compared to 14 per cent among adults of all ages.

In the South East, Oxford had the highest estimated proportion of people aged between 18 and 29 not jabbed by August 7 – 50 per cent.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Hart had the lowest, with just 21 per cent.

All adults in England have been able to book a first vaccine dose since June 17.

The low vaccination rate among younger people comes amid a warning from NHS England that more than a fifth of those currently being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 are aged between 18 and 34 – a figure that is four times higher than the peak last winter.

Chief executive Amanda Pritchard said vaccines had a "major impact" in keeping people out of hospital and saving lives.

Prof Finn, who advises the Government on the vaccine programme, said he sensed a perception among many young adults that they are not at risk from the virus, unlike those from older age groups.

He said: "We are now seeing people who are young and previously healthy getting seriously ill, so it would be correct to adjust that perception.

"It is important not to die of ignorance – if you really know the facts about the disease and know the facts about vaccinations, going and getting the vaccination is a complete no-brainer."

Efforts by the Government to get young adults to come forward for a first jab include plans for a Covid vaccine passport that would make full vaccination a requirement for entry to nightclubs and other venues from the end of September.

Pop-up vaccine centres also opened across the country recently, while food delivery company Deliveroo and taxi firm Uber have both been enlisted to offer discounted meals and rides for customers if they get a jab.

Prof Finn said some of the incentives were "carrot and stick" ideas and warned forcing people into receiving a vaccination could have adverse consequences.

"In the end, vaccines are good things and something people should want and accept," he said.

The Government said it was working to provide information and advice "at every opportunity" to drive vaccine uptake among young people.

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "Getting both doses of the jab is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and avoid unknowingly passing the virus on to someone who may be more vulnerable to Covid-19."

People can make an appointment through the national booking system either online or by calling 119.

Appointments can be made at clinics in vaccine centres, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

People can also attend pop-up vaccine centres and walk-in centres.