ONE IN five Bolton teenagers have now had two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Figures from the UK Coronavirus Dashboard show that 3,685 people aged 16 and 17 from across the borough had received two jabs by January 16, while a further 1,310 12 to 15-year-olds had had both doses.

This adds up to a total of around 19 per cent, or just under a fifth, of that age group being doubly vaccinated.

NHS vaccination programme lead for 12 to 15-year-olds Nick Hulme, said: "The booster has been proven to give substantial levels of protection against Covid-19 and the new Omicron variant, so it is vital that our youngest and most at-risk get their top-up dose of protection as soon as possible.

"I am delighted that we can kick off this stage of the rollout."

The government is continuing to call upon young people to get their second jabs in an effort to mitigate the effects of the Omicron wave as youngsters return to school.

Across England, 52 per cent of 12 to 15-year-olds have had at least one dose of the Covid jab, including 9 per cent who have received two.

The rates for 16 and 17-year-olds stood at 66 per cent for a first dose and 45% for second jabs by January 16.