New government data reveals the percentage of people across the Maldon district who have had a third or booster dose of a Covid vaccine, as NHS bosses urge more residents to get vaccinated.

More than 37,843 third doses or booster jabs have been administered so far in the Maldon district as Omicron cases surge across the country.

According to figures up to and including 21 December, the combined area of Great Totham, Wickham Bishops and Woodham has the greatest Covid booster uptake in the district at 67.4 per cent.

Southminster, Bradwell and the Dengie Peninsula together have the lowest uptake at 55.9 per cent.

The figures are for people aged 12 years and over.

Here's a breakdown of the latest figures for third dose or booster uptake rates:

• Great Totham, Wickham Bishops and Woodham: 67.4 per cent
• Maldon South: 66.8 per cent
• Tollesbury, Tolleshunt and Goldhanger: 64.8 per cent
• Maldon North: 63.5 per cent
• Mayland, Althorne and Cold Norton: 61.6 per cent
• Heybridge: 61.1 per cent
• Burnham-on-Crouch: 60.9 per cent
• Southminster, Bradwell and Dengie Peninsula: 55.9 per cent

A spokesperson for the Mid and South Essex Health Care Partnership said: "Scientists are worried about the arrival of the Omicron variant because of the speed with which it spreads and because two vaccine doses do not give us the protection we all need. "As the Omicron variant continues to spread rapidly, we need everyone to play their part in protecting themselves and others by getting the jab. "The Covid-19 booster programme is the rollout of an additional vaccine dose to people who have previously received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine to ensure continued protection for those most at risk from Covid-19. "We want to make sure that the most vulnerable people maintain high levels of protection against Covid as we go into winter." You can find a breakdown of areas in Maldon where Covid cases are rising the fastest here, alongside first and second dose vaccination rates here. You can make an appointment for a booster jab via the NHS national booking service here or call 119 between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. To find a list of local walk-in sites or local pharmacies administering Covid vaccines, click here.