Nearly half of people in Test Valley have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

NHS data shows 48,405 people had received a vaccine jab by March 14 – equating to 47% of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Of those vaccinated, 36,829 were aged 55 or over – 83 per cent of the age group.

It means 11,576 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 Test Valley.

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 are Chilworth, Nursling & Rownhams (58.5 per cent), Romsey Town (56.2 per cent) and Abbotswood and West Wellow (55.5 per cent).

Areas with the lowest coverage are Andover Newbury Road (32.4 per cent), Andover London Road & East Anton (38.7 per cent) and Andover Central (39.4 per cent).

The reason behind the variation is not known - it may be due to supply, delivery issues or an older population.

Across England, 20.7 million people had received their first dose of a vaccine by March 14, covering 45% 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.