THOUSANDS of people under 30 are yet to receive a Covid vaccine – weeks after they were first invited to get their first jab.

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.

NHS England data shows in the Maldon district 5,957 people aged between 18 and 29 had received a first dose of a vaccine by August 7, but 29 per cent were yet to receive a jab.

Across the East of England 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.

The low vaccination rate among younger people comes amid a warning from NHS England that more than a fifth of those currently being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 are aged between 18 and 34 – a figure that is four times higher than the peak last winter.

Chief executive Amanda Pritchard said vaccines had a “major impact” in keeping people out of hospital and saving lives.

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 older age groups.

He said: “We are now seeing people who are young and previously healthy getting seriously ill, so it would be correct to adjust that perception.

“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.”

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