HEXHAM MP Guy Opperman has welcomed the latest release of data from NHS England on the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination.

The statistical release on April 22, which covers the period from December 8, 2020 to April 18, 2021 showed the Hexham constituency has the highest rate in England for giving 75–79-year-olds at least one dose of the vaccine. The rate is 98.14 per cent.

The data also shows a very high general take up in the constituency, across all the age groups so far invited to come forward (between 89 – 98 per cent).

In the two weeks since the programme was opened to the 45-49 age group, 50 per cent within the constituency have taken up the offer of a vaccine.

Commenting on the news, Mr Opperman said: “This is really great news.

“It is clear from this data that the incredible work of the vaccine programme organisers, health workers and volunteers - both nationally and locally – is helping massively in protecting our community here in Tynedale and Ponteland.

“Huge thanks go to everyone involved.”

The rate was worked out by taking the constituency level data and dividing it by the NIMS (National Immunisation Management Service) population estimates.