Wirral has now vaccinated more than two thirds of its 16+ population with the first dose, new figures show.

And progress has been swift in the 45-49 age category with 73.1% already having received their first jab.

NHS England releases a report every Thursday with a progress update on every part of the country.

Today's report shows that up to April 25, 179,486 people have now received their initial dose. That's around 68% of Wirral's 16+ population, as estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

By April 25, 81,737 people had now had both doses in Wirral. It means that 31% of the estimated 16+ population on the borough is now fully vaccinated.

Nearly three quarters of a million appointments were made across the country on Monday and Tuesday, as the NHS began inviting 44-year olds for first jabs followed by people aged 42 and 43 by text. A further announcement is anticipated tomorrow.

Vaccination break down by constituency

Birkenhead

First dose - 46,320

Second dose - 20,427

Wallasey

First dose - 48,817

Second dose - 22,893

Wirral South

First dose - 42,774

Second dose - 18,949

Wirral West

First dose - 41,575

Second dose - 19,468

When invited, people will be able to book in at a Vaccination Centre or pharmacy site through the national booking service.

The NHS currently vaccinates using three vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca, all of which have been approved as safe and effective by the world leading medical regulator the MHRA.

People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.