More than two in five people in Southend have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal.

NHS data shows 59,791 people had received a vaccine jab by March 7 ­– equating to 41% of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

Of those vaccinated, 38,306 were aged 60 or over – 84% of the age group.

It means 21,485 people aged between 16 and 59 have received a first dose of the vaccine.

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The data also reveals variation in coverage between different areas across Southend.

The proportion of residents prioritised for vaccinations, such as those aged over 60, is one factor that could affect vaccine coverage.

The areas in Southend where the highest number of over 16s have been given their first dose were:

1) Thorpe Bay, with 48.9%

2) Eastwood Park, 48.1%

3) Belfairs, 47.9%

Areas with the lowest number of adults given their first dose were:

1) Leigh, 32.6%

2) Kursaal, 33%

3) Westborough, 33.8%

Across England, 19 million people had received their first dose of a vaccine by March 7, covering 42% of the population aged 16 and over.

That includes 12 million people aged 60 and over – 89% 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.