Nearly a quarter of people aged 45 and over in Blackburn with Darwen have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

NHS data shows 25,875 people aged 16 and over in the borough had received both jabs by April 25 – 22 per cent, based on the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Figures also show 65,597 people in Blackburn with Darwen have received at least one jab – 57 per cent of those aged 16 and over.

Of those to have received both jabs, 21,948 were aged 45 and over – 38 per cent of the age group - while the remaining 3,927 people that have received both doses are aged between 16 and 44.

The data reveals variation in coverage for residents who had received at least one dose between different areas across Blackburn with Darwen.

The proportion of people prioritised for vaccinations, such as those aged 42 and over, is one factor that could affect vaccine coverage.

Areas with the highest coverage (of people aged 16 and over given their first dose):

1) Tockholes, Edgworth & Hoddlesden, 73.5 per cent

2) Beardwood, Pleasington & Livesey, 71.7 per cent

3) South Darwen & Whitehall, 70 per cent

Areas with the lowest coverage (of people aged 16 and over given their first dose):

1) Audley, 42.6 per cent

2) Central Blackburn, 44.9 per cent

3) Wensley Fold, 47.3 per cent

Jonathan Van-Tam, England’s deputy chief medical officer, has said the vaccine could reduce a third wave of the virus, but warned it was “inconceivable” that there will not be further bumps in the road.

Speaking at a Downing Street press briefing, he said: “What is important about these vaccines and the vaccine rollout is it really is the way out of getting into trouble of the same size and magnitude ever again, and that’s why it’s important that this job must get finished.”

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

The figures show 905 out of 1148 eligible staff, including agency workers, at older adult care homes had received a first dose by April 25 – meaning 21% have not had a jab.

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