Another milestone as number of coronavirus vaccinations passes 400,000 in Northamptonshire

The number of Covid-19 vaccinations delivered in Northamptonshire has passed 400,000, according to the latest official figures.

NHS England confirmed 346,956 people received at least a first dose with 60,485 getting the second jab by April 4.

The vast majority of those had the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which has been at the centre of attention this week after the concern over extremely rare blood clots.

Just over 10,000 more people received a first jab in the week up to Easter Sunday compared to 36,000 the previous week in the county as focus switched to delivering second doses to the first nine priority groups.

Medics delivered 15,000 more follow-up jabs over the latest seven-day period.

But up to 50,000 have still to come forward to get a first vaccination from the target groups of over 50s and the clinically vulnerable who are most at risk to developing complications from Covid-19.

And those in charge of Northamptonshire's roll-out are urging those who have still not had a first jab to take up invitations for jabs at the county's Moulton Park vaccination centre, GPs or pharmacies.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended offering under-30s yet to have the jab an alternative vaccine because of the concern.

All those who have received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine should continue to be offered a second dose of the same vaccine, irrespective of age.

JCVI Covid-19 chairman Professor Wei Shen Lim said: "Safety remains our number one priority. Based on the available data and evidence, JCVI has advised that it is preferable for adults aged under 30 with no underlying conditions to be offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca vaccine where available.

"This weighs up the risks of being seriously ill or dying from COVID-19 against the extremely small risk of a serious adverse event.

"The COVID-19 vaccines have already saved thousands of lives and the benefit for the majority of the population is clear – if you are offered a vaccine, you should take it."