In Wales, almost two-thirds of 16 and 17-year-olds have had a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine while in England and Scotland, half of the same age group have been vaccinated. In Northern Ireland, the figure is 40 per cent.
England’s top GP, who urged everyone to get vaccinated if they are eligible, said the vaccine uptake has been “strong.”
It comes as pupils at schools and colleges begin a new academic year amid uncertainty around how the new term could impact the spread of coronavirus.
A recent rise in cases in Scotland is thought to be partly attributable to the reopening of schools last month.
More than 620,000 young people aged 16 and 17 have now been vaccinated, less than a month after their age group became eligible, NHS England said.
In Wales, 63 per cent of the age group have had one dose of the jab and in Scotland 51 per cent have received it.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised on August 4 that all 16 and 17-year-olds should be given a first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
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Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead for NHS England’s vaccination programme, said: “Uptake among young people continues to be strong and thanks to the non-stop efforts of NHS staff and volunteers, half of all 16 and 17-year-olds have had their vaccine since becoming eligible last month, giving them the best possible protection against coronavirus.
“As school and college terms are due to start back shortly, it is really important that young people continue to come forward for their life-saving vaccine and visit the NHS grab-a-jab finder to find a convenient site, with walk-in vaccinations taking place at nightclubs, university campuses and places of worship this weekend.
“It has never been easier to drop in and get your vaccine: it is safe, effective and will provide vital protection for you and your family and friends.”
This weekend, local NHS teams and volunteers will be administering jabs at sites including the G-A-Y nightclub in London, the Hindu Temple in Crawley and the University of Kent’s Canterbury Campus.
When the JCVI announced its recommendation to extend the vaccine rollout to 16 and 17-year-olds, it said it would make further recommendations at a later stage on when youngsters should get their second dose.
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