Around a tenth of Swindon’s population has not been immunised against Covid, according to new figures.

The number of unvaccinated adults stood at 27,278 on Tuesday and at nearly 100,000 throughout Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Swindon Borough Council and the region’s clinical commissioning group are urging the remaining un-jabbed adults to take up the life-saving Covid vaccine so that more people are protected during the approaching Christmas period.

They are also encouraging people who are eligible for a booster to book an appointment when it is offered.

Katie Currie, public health consultant for the borough council, said: “The success of the vaccine has allowed us all to do more of the activities that we enjoy, such as meeting friends and going on holiday.

“It is important that those who are yet to be vaccinated get the jab as soon as possible.

“Having as many people vaccinated gives us more protection against the virus and will help stop any potential future restrictions coming into place.

“And for those that are already vaccinated, make sure you get a booster when you are offered it.

“The effect of the vaccine does wear off over time and those vaccinated at the start of the vaccination programme are now being called to get a booster.

“So, if you are age 40 or over, or aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts you at high risk, and it is five months since your second dose, book your booster.”

Gill May, director of nursing and quality, said: “History tells us that coronavirus case numbers go up when people mix more indoors, and with the party season about to begin, I would ask those who have so far refused the vaccine to think about how their decision could have adverse consequences for those around them this Christmas.

“Remaining unvaccinated not only increases a person’s chances of catching coronavirus, but it also makes them more likely to pass it on to others, and I would hate for an innocent family celebration in late December to be the reason behind a serious hospital admission in early January.

“Covid-19 is still very much with us but, by having the vaccine, we can restrict its prevalence, limit its severity and, most importantly, protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling seriously ill.”

Around the region, 92,527 adults eligible for the vaccine have yet to take up the offer and Wiltshire’s unvaccinated total was calculated as 37,212 on Tuesday.

The CCG announced earlier this week that about 15 venues in the region will withdraw from the vaccine programme in December.

It is so staff can be freed up to support frontline primary care colleagues ahead of what is expected to be a busy winter.

But Covid vaccines, including first, second and booster doses, continue to be available at vaccination centres like the Steam in Swindon.

Larger venues such as the museum usually have the best appointment availability.

Some community pharmacies and GP-led venues also offer the Covid-19 vaccine.

More than 1.6 million vaccines have so far been given out across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

This figure includes more than 755,000 first doses, around 703,000 second vaccinations and approximately 183,000 booster vaccines.

All remaining vaccination sites across Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, including community pharmacies, are listed on National Booking Service, which is available online at www.nhs.uk or over the phone by calling 119.