Revealed – the percentage of under-30s in Chesterfield yet to receive Covid-19 vaccine

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

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Professor Adam Finn, a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, warned people ‘not to die of ignorance’.

NHS England data shows in Chesterfield, 10,877 people aged between 18 and 29 had received a first dose of a vaccine by August 7 – at least 76 per cent of the age group, based on the number of people on the National Immunisation Management Service.

It meant around 24 per cent of this cohort were yet to receive a jab at that point, compared to 12 per cent among adults of all ages.

Across the East Midlands as a whole, 35 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.

On Monday afternoon, a spokesperson for Chesterfield Royal Hospital said staff were looking after 14 patients with Covid-19.

They added that in the last three weeks there have been two coronavirus patients aged under-24 and two who were under-40.

Prof Finn, who advises the Government on the vaccine programme, said he sensed a perception among many young adults that they are not at risk from the virus, unlike those in older age groups.

He said: "It is important not to die of ignorance – if you really know the facts about the disease and know the facts about vaccinations, going and getting the vaccination is a complete no-brainer.

"Vaccines are good things and something people should want and accept.

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

And food delivery company Deliveroo and taxi firm Uber have both been enlisted to offer discounted meals and rides for customers if they get a jab.

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