Stroud has one of the highest vaccine uptake rates in England

Data from NHS England shows 94,154 people aged 18 and over in Stroud had received a first dose of the vaccine by June 5 – at least 91.5 per cent of those in the area, based on the number of people on the National Immunisation Management Service.

This is one of the highest rates of all local authorities in England.

However, it means that around 8.5 per cent remain unvaccinated.

Using Office for National Statistics data, which experts say are more accurate at a national level, figures show around 93.3 per cent of adults across England had received a first jab by June 5.

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The figures

With 82.2 per cent having received at least one vaccine, those aged 25-29 have the highest refusal rates in Stroud.

By comparison, the 80+ age bracket has the highest uptake in the area – 97.8%.

Meanwhile, at least 12.1 per cent of 5-11 year-olds, 67.9 per cent of 12-15 year-olds and 82.4 per cent of 16-17 year-olds have been jabbed.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recently advised the Government to provide an autumn Covid-19 booster programme in preparation for winter.

The committee recommends that those in older age groups, residents in care homes for older adults, frontline health and social care workers, and those with certain underlying health conditions receive a booster vaccine ahead of the winter period.

The recommendations come amid the rollout of the spring booster programme, which is targeted at adults aged 75 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults, and individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed.

The Department of Health and Social Care said there are areas of the country with lower uptake, but it will continue to provide advice on how to get a vaccine and its benefits.

A spokeswoman added: “Vaccines remain the best way we can protect ourselves from the virus and it's not too late for people to come forward and get their jab."