New data shows 98 per cent of Cheshire over-70s vaccinated

The latest data from NHS England, released on Thursday (February 18), shows that 117,387 residents aged 70-plus have had their first dose of a vaccine, out of a over-70 population of 119,773 — representing a 98 per cent success rate.

Such is the progress of the scheme in Cheshire, it was revealed that supplies to the area were being redirected to other parts of the UK so they could ‘catch up’.

That’s according to Cheshire East council leader Sam Corcoran, who said on Wednesday: “The vaccination programme, organised by NHS Cheshire CCG and local GPs, is going exceptionally well and over 90 per cent of those in the top four priority groups have been vaccinated.

“Many primary care networks have moved on to vaccinating those over 60.

“However, because the local vaccination programme has been done so well, it is understandable that the decision has been taken centrally to throttle back the supply of vaccines to Cheshire East.

“I am assured that the vaccine supply will improve by March.”

On Friday, he added the decision was made ‘to allow other areas to catch up’ with Cheshire’s progress.

CCGs in Cheshire and Merseyside's performance in delivering first doses. Data: NHS England

The NHS England data also shows that 2,666 over-70s had had both doses, as of February 14.

75,372 under-70s have received their jab, with 3,320 having both inoculations.

CCGs in Cheshire and Merseyside's performance in delivering second doses. Data: NHS England

It means that 198,745 vaccines have been delivered in Cheshire, and 664,491 have been completed in the Cheshire and Merseyside sub-region.