ONE in eight teenagers in Bradford have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Figures from the UK coronavirus dashboard show 5,202 people aged 16 and 17 in Bradford had received two jabs by January 16 – at least 32% of the age group.

A further 1,159 12 to 15-year-olds had received two doses of a Covid vaccine by that date, equating to 3% of the age group.

It means 6,361 under-18s in Bradford are double-jabbed – at least 12% of the age group, based on the number of people on the National Immunisation Management Service database.

They are among 21,281 (42%) who had received a first dose by January 16.

A spokesperson for the NHS Covid vaccination programme for Bradford District and Craven said: “Like most areas, take up rates in 16-17s are lower than older age groups and we are continuing to do all we can to encourage more people to get the jab.

"We are doing this by sharing trusted information on the Covid vaccine and offering one to one conversations at our vaccination sites so that people can make an informed decision.

"We know that getting everyone protected as quickly as possible will reduce the risk of transmission while also reducing the risk of people falling seriously ill and needing hospital treatment.

"To find a clinic near to where you live or work please visit www.bit.ly/CovidVaccineBDC, this includes family clinics where people from the same family or household can get vaccinated all at the same time.”

Across England, 52% of 12 to 15-year-olds have had at least one dose of the Covid jab, including 9% who have received two.

The rates for 16 and 17-year-olds stood at 66% for a first dose and 45% for second jabs by January 16.

A Government spokesperson said getting children vaccinated was helping to keep schools open for face-to-face lessons.

They added: “The scientific evidence is clear, vaccines are the best way to protect young people and their friends and family from Omicron."

The UK Government has now also opened booster bookings for 16 and 17-year-olds, and for clinically vulnerable 12 to 15-years-olds.

NHS vaccination programme lead for 12 to 15-year-olds, Nick Hulme, said: “The booster has been proven to give substantial levels of protection against Covid-19 and the new Omicron variant, so it is vital that our youngest and most at-risk get their top-up dose of protection as soon as possible."