More than half of the UK’s total population has received a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, figures show.

This includes more than half of people in Basingstoke and Deane and Test Valley.

Government data up to April 23 shows that of the 45,580,400 jabs given in the UK so far, 33,508,590 were first doses – a rise of 119,953 on the previous day.

The UK population is estimated to be 66,796,807, so the latest figures show that more than half the population have now had a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

NHS England data up to April 23 shows that of the 38,189,536 total doses given in England so far, 28,102,852 were first doses – a rise of 107,656 on the previous day.

Anyone aged 45 and over can still arrange their jab in England, as well as people who are clinically vulnerable or health and care workers.

Data also shows that more than a million doses have been administered in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The statistics - which includes Southampton but excludes Portsmouth - reveals that as of April 18, 1,134,550 doses have been administered.

This means that at least one dose has been given to everyone aged 75-79 in the region, as well as more than 95 per cent of people in each of the age group categories between 55 and 74, and over 80s.

Over 90 per cent of 50-54 year olds have had at least their first dose, whilst 63.8 per cent of 45-49 year olds have as well so far.

In Basingstoke and Deane, 90,610 people have received at least their first dose, which is more than half of the total population of the borough, which stands at 175,729.

In Test Valley, 67,781 people have received at least their first dose, more than half of the total population of 125,169.

Population data includes children, who are currently ineligible for a Covid vaccine.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he is “absolutely delighted” about reaching the “brilliant” milestone, adding: “This vaccination programme is our way out of this pandemic. It’s clearly saving lives.”

Deputy chief executive of NHS Providers Saffron Cordery said: “It is an astonishing achievement that half of the UK population has now had at least one Covid-19 jab.

“In under five months, frontline NHS staff in trusts and primary care and volunteers have done an incredible job giving out over 33 million first jabs and more than 11 million second doses.

“We owe each and every one of them our thanks. We’ve made truly significant progress, but we’ve still got a long way to go until we reach our next major milestone of offering all adults their first jab by the end of July.

“In the meantime, we’d encourage everyone to have their Covid-19 vaccines when they are offered it and to continue following the rules on social contact.

“These measures are key to keeping Covid-19 infection rates under control and helping ensure this current lockdown is our last.”