Data shows vaccine take-up is lower in the most deprived areas of the city.

The Guildhall area - which includes The Groves, Layerthorpe, Foss Islands and the city centre - still has the lowest rate of vaccination in the city. Data shows 76.9 per cent of over 50s in this ward have had the first dose compared to 94.7 per cent in Haxby and Wigginton, which has the highest take-up.

York's public health team says residents have highlighted a lot of "practical barriers" to getting vaccinated.

Anita Dobson from public health said transport to and from the site is an issue and some people are struggling to find childcare to allow them to take up an appointment.

She added that people who have been shielding since the start of the pandemic are frightened of making a trip to the vaccination site.

"If we can work on getting more local vaccination sites, that is very helpful," she said. Pharmacies and the university sites could be used as vaccination centres, but she said there is a lot of work involved in setting up a site.

She said some people also think they have missed their chance to get the vaccine because the centre has moved on to a different cohort or because they have missed an appointment or not booked one yet.

"It's never too late, that's the big message," she said.

First Buses and Reliance Buses have offered help with transport to the vaccine site and York Theatre Royal has offered space for vaccines to be given in the city centre if needed. First Bus has set up a dedicated webpage to help people plan their route to the vaccination site.

Sian Balsom from Healthwatch also raised concerns about people who are afraid of needles.

She asked: "Is there any psychological support available for people who are terrified of needles but want to do the right thing for their friends, family and the population?

"Fear of needles fear of injections is a very significant factor for some people. What can we do to help them?"

Ms Dobson said people at the vaccination site have had training in how to help patients with a phobia of needles and that one-to-one support is available.