LATEST figures show that more than nine out every 10 people over 65 in Blackburn with Darwen have had at least the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

The statistics from NHS England are broken down by each Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Blackburn with Darwen shows 93.3 per cent have been vaccinated.

The CCG has also given 17,630 first doses to under-65s and a further 20,311 to over-65s while 144 second doses were for under-65s and 729 went to over-65s for a total of 38,814 doses given.

Meanwhile, East Lancashire CCG has had 92.2 per cent of over 65s have had at least one jab.

East Lancashire CCG have given a total of 111,708 vaccines - 40,154 first doses for under-65 and a further 68,217 for over-65s.

Meanwhile 552 second doses were given to under-65s while 2,785 were for over-65s.

Nationally, there have been 17.7m vaccines been given in total.

The news comes after the Lancashire Telegraph reported that 1,000 people had died in the East Lancashire Hospitals Trust since the start of the pandemic.

Hospital trust bosses are urging people to have the vaccine.

Kevin McGee, Joint Chief Executive for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Reaching over one thousand deaths of our patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 is an extremely sad milestone. And my thoughts and condolences are with each and every one of those families or loved ones who have suffered a devastating loss from this virus.  

“This is also a large amount of loss that our staff have had to deal with as they have supported and also mourned each one of those deaths. I honestly cannot emphasise strongly enough the importance of getting the vaccine and continuing to following the road out of lockdown closely and correctly so that more families do not suffer these losses.   

“I am also conscious that there are many other people losing their lives due to the other impacts of the pandemic and lockdown. Their deaths are no less tragic and my plea is clear; If you are struggling to cope with the restrictions or have other health concerns, we are here for you. Please seek the medical attention you need.”