Thousands more teenagers in Dorset have received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine this month, figures show.

The UK Government is calling on eligible under 18s to get vaccinated this half term, with NHS staff and volunteers manning attractions such as zoos and skate parks to encourage more teenagers to get the jab.

Figures from the UK coronavirus dashboard show 5,470 people aged 16 and 17 in Dorset had received two jabs by February 11 – 63% of the age group.

A further 3,501 12 to 15-year-olds had received two doses of a Covid vaccine by that date – 20% of their age group.

It means 8,971 under-18s in Dorset are double-jabbed – 34% of 12 to 17 year olds, based on the number of people on the National Immunisation Management Service database – up 3,141 on a month earlier.

They are among 18,260 (70%) who had received a first dose by February 11.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended that 16 to 17-year-olds receive a second dose of the Covid jab in November – extending the advice to those aged 12 to 15 just before Christmas.

The NHS said while many youngsters have already come forward for their vaccination, infection rates among school-age children remain high.

Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics show that one in 11 pupils in school years 7 to 11 nationally tested positive for coronavirus in the week to February 5.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead of the NHS vaccination programme, said: “This half term offers the perfect opportunity to get your child protected, by booking an appointment online or using one of the hundreds of walk-in sites across the country.

“My 13-year-old son has now had two vaccinations and it has definitely given us both that extra dose of reassurance.”

Across England, 55% of 12 to 15-year-olds have had at least one dose of the Covid jab, including 22% who have received two.

The rates for 16 and 17-year-olds stood at 67% for a first dose and 48% for second jabs by February 11.

Over 16s and clinically at-risk 12 to 15-year-olds or those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed are also now eligible for a booster jab.

Parents and guardians are asked to attend vaccination sites with their children.

Young people who have had Covid must wait 12 weeks until they can be vaccinated, in line with JCVI guidance.