More than 13,000 Rutlanders have received their first vaccination against Covid-19.

In an update issued by Rutland Heath this week, the organisation said this includes 95% of people aged over 75 (about 5000 people), 89% of those aged 70-74 and 77% of those aged 65-69.

It has also given first doses to about 230 care home residents, and 180 housebound patients, and 800 health and care staff.

A statement said: "Last week we vaccinated people in cohort 6 (vulnerable), carers , housebound patients, and held an additional needs clinic for people with learning disability or mental health problems.

"The national aim is for all people over 50 to be vaccinated by mid April."

This week's Rutland Health is offering appointments to people in cohorts 6 and 7 – people who are vulnerable (see below) , carers, and people aged over 60.

"We have also sent invitations to people over 56 so that they have the choice of booking for vaccination in Rutland as well as the mass vaccination sites.

"We invite more groups of people as soon as we have more vaccination slots, so don't worry if you are over 56 and have not yet received an invitation.

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"Young people aged 16-17 who are eligible because they are vulnerable or young carers can only receive the Pfizer vaccine, and they will be invited this week.

Rutland Health added: "This week we start the second vaccination programme, for those who received their first vaccination in Rutland on December 21st-23rd 2020. You will have received a letter if you are included."

Further details of the programme can be found here.

• In related news NHS East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG has announced that if you're aged 55 or over you can now book your covid vaccine - online at this link here or call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.

For local vaccine information, go to its website.