Latest Covid jab rates revealed for Leicestershire and Rutland

The statistics mirror the national picture as the government pushes ever closer to its target of vaccinating all priority residents across the UK by the end of next week.

Nearly 150,000 coronavirus jabs had been given in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland between December 8 and January 31, when the latest figures were collated, with around 6,000 people have already had both injections.

The statistics, from the National Immunisation Management Service (NIMS) show that 45,863 people aged 80 or over - up from just over 40,000 the week before - have had their first jab, which represents 86.9 per cent of the population in that age demographic for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Additionally, 73.1 per cent of those aged 75 to 79 and 28 per cent of residents aged 70 to 74 have had a first dose of the vaccine in the two counties.

However, the figures do show a levelling off in those people aged 80-plus who’ve had both jabs, with the total rising from 3,475 to 3,541 in the last week, which is now 6.7 per cent of that age demographic in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The government say most people will have to wait up to 12 weeks for their second jab because of the need to prioritise quickly giving at least one dose of the vaccination to those most vulnerable to the virus.

There are currently no figures available for the number of vaccinations that have been given purely to residents in the Melton borough.

To help the NHS reach the mid-February target of vaccinating the most vulnerable residents, people in priority groups can now book a jab at one of three Leicester hospitals for a limited period.

Eligible people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who can now book one of these appointments for their first dose are those aged 75 and over plus people aged 70 and over who are clinically extremely vulnerable (not including pregnant women and those under 16 years of age) and who hold a shielding letter. These individuals will already hold this letter and must not contact their GP requesting one.

People should be aware that they must be able to prove they are in the priority groups to have the vaccine when attending for vaccination.

Patients may also be able to book their second doses at the same site.

Around 1,000 appointments a day are being made available and the local NHS clinical commissioning groups say they are very keen to ensure that all eligible people who have not yet had a vaccine have a chance to book.

Eligible patients should book an appointment to be vaccinated as soon as possible as bookings at the hospital sites are expected to be taken up quickly. However, more appointments will be on offer in the future, including at other sites and will be publicised when they become available.

Appointments can be made at either Glenfield Hospital, Leicester General Hospital or Leicester Royal Infirmary.

A vaccine booking can be made at one of the following hospital sites for a limited period by clicking on the relevant link:

Glenfield Hospital

Leicester General Hospital

Leicester Royal Infirmary