MORE than 98,000 Covid vaccinations have been administered in Dorset since the start of 2022, latest figures show.

Data from Dorset HealthCare, which is the lead organisation for delivering the vaccination programme in the county, showed a total of 98,800 had been given between January 1 and April 5.

Of these, 10,051 were first Covid jabs with 20,113 of these second and 185 were third vaccinations administered to immunosuppressed residents.

Meanwhile, 52,433 were first booster vaccines with 15,918 of these second as the spring booster programme is rolled out.

Speaking at the end of last month, a Dorset Healthcare spokesperson said: “Our main focus currently is the new spring booster programme for those aged 75 and over, older people in care homes and those who are immunosuppressed.

“We are also continuing with the programme for children aged 5-17 and encouraging any adults who have not come forward so far to get themselves protected.

"There is a lower uptake among people under 49 and we would encourage these groups to come forward, particularly as case numbers are currently high. We are also doing targeted work with groups impacted by health inequalities."

A total of 30 sites are offering vaccinations across Dorset including two large vaccination centres, community pharmacies and primary care networks.