WEEKS after they were invited to get their first jab, more than a quarter of under 30s in Swindon have yet to receive their Covid jab.

The latest national statistics suggest a hesitancy among people aged between 18 and 29.

A total of 23,983 people in that age group in Swindon had received a first dose of a Covid vaccine by August 7 according to figures released by NHS England – at least 71 per cent .

It meant around 29 per cent of the cohort were yet to receive a jab at that point, compared to 16 per cent among adults of all ages.

But the town’s director of public health Steve Maddern said the council’s communications campaign had been adapted and targeted towards younger people through social media channels.

He told the Adver: “The public health team is also visiting businesses known to employ younger people, engaging with workers and key personnel.

“They are visiting gyms to speak with users and gym providers and working with hairdressers and barbers to provide information for them to pass to clients within this age group.

“Insight tells us that conversations about Covid and vaccination feature heavily in these settings.

“The team is working with partners who work with or support this age group, as well as attending events like Swindon Town match this weekend to promote vaccination and testing.”

With the case rate rising in Swindon, Mr Maddern said he wanted people to make an informed choice when it comes to getting a Covid vaccination.

He said: “The vaccine is designed to lessen the severity of the disease and prevent hospital admissions and premature death.

“Across Swindon, 83.8 per cent of the adult population has had at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccination, while 62.8 per cent has had both doses and will become fully vaccinated.

He explained: “We want everybody to make an informed choice on whether vaccination is right for them, so, if anyone is undecided, do seek information from reputable sources such as the NHS website, or from a health care professional.”

Across the South West as a whole, 30 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.

The figure is four times higher than it was at the peak last winter.

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

In order to get young adults to come forward for a first jab, the Government has made 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.

Pop-up vaccine centres also opened across the country recently, while food delivery company Deliveroo and taxi firm Uber have both been enlisted to offer discounted meals and rides for customers if they get a jab

The Government said it was working to provide information and advice at every opportunity to drive vaccine uptake among young people.

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “Getting both doses of the jab is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and avoid unknowingly passing the virus on to someone who may be more vulnerable to Covid-19.”