MORE than a third of under-30s in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have yet to receive a Covid-19 vaccine, figures suggest – weeks after they were invited to get their first jab.

Despite renewed appeals from politicians and a host of pop-up vaccination centres across Dorset, the latest national statistics suggest a hesitancy among some people aged between 18 and 29.

NHS England data shows in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, 40,973 people aged between 18 and 29 had received a first dose of a vaccine by August 7 – at least 63 per cent of the age group, based on the number of people on the National Immunisation Management Service.

It meant around 37 per cent of this cohort were yet to receive a jab at that point, compared to 21 per cent among adults of all ages.

Across the South West as a whole, 30 per cent of people aged between 18 and 29 had not received a first jab by August 7.

All adults in England have been able to book a first vaccine dose since June 17.

GP and clinical lead for the Dorset COVID-19 vaccination programme Dr Andy Rutland said: “The NHS is working extremely hard in Dorset to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination to local people.

“We thank people for supporting us with this programme and taking up the offer of the life-saving COVID-19 jab.

“Our ongoing campaign - #OurWayOut - is running to promote both COVID-19 vaccinations and testing.

“It is still important for everyone to accept that COVID-19 is still with us, and cases are still high both in Dorset and across the country.

“Getting both doses of the vaccination is by far the best way of protecting yourself so I would ask anyone who has not yet had their jab to do so, including those who may be wavering when it comes to their second dose.”

The low vaccination rate among younger people comes amid a warning from NHS England that more than a fifth of those currently being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 are aged between 18 and 34 – a figure that is four times higher than the peak last winter.

Chief executive Amanda Pritchard said vaccines had a "major impact" in keeping people out of hospital and saving lives.

Efforts by the Government to get young adults to come forward for a first jab include plans for a Covid vaccine passport that would make full vaccination a requirement for entry to nightclubs and other venues from the end of September.