 first identified the BA.2.86 variant in Britain on Aug 18. The variant has been named 'Pirola'. Government officials have stressed that 'speeding up' the autumn rollout is a 'precautionary measure' in case the new variant is more transmissible or severe. But the NHS has said 'expert advice is clear this is the most concerning new variant since omicron'. The UKHSA found it 'has a high number of mutations' compared to currently circulating strands, making its transmissibility and the effectiveness of existing vaccines hard to predict. The variant has been detected in a number of countries including Denmark, Israel and the US, and in individuals without travel history, meaning there is already sustained international transmission. Covid booster vaccinations will now begin on Sept 11, having originally been planned to start in October. Flu jabs will be brought forward to the same date as the NHS tries to vaccinate people with both doses at the same time. Vaccinations 'our best defence' Dame Jenny Harries, the UKHSA chief executive, said: 'This precautionary measure to bring forward the autumn programme will ensure these people have protection against any potential wave this winter. 'There is limited information available at present on BA.2.86, so the potential impact of this particular variant is difficult to estimate. As with all emergent and circulating Covid-19 variants – both in the UK and internationally – we will continue to monitor BA.2.86 and to advise the Government and the public as we learn more.' Despite the concerns, there have been no changes to those who are eligible for the vaccinations. Around 12 million people aged 50 to 64 who were eligible for the autumn booster last year found out earlier this month that they would not be eligible this time. Only people aged 65 and over, those co){kind=link}
Government officials stress move is ‘precautionary measure’ in case ‘Pirola’ strain is more transmissible or severe
The autumn Covid booster programme will be brought forward after the “most concerning variant since omicron” was discovered in the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) first identified the BA.2.86 variant in Britain on Aug 18. The variant has been named “Pirola”.
Government officials have stressed that “speeding up” the autumn rollout is a “precautionary measure” in case the new variant is more transmissible or severe.
But the NHS has said “expert advice is clear this is the most concerning new variant since omicron”. The UKHSA found it “has a high number of mutations” compared to currently circulating strands, making its transmissibility and the effectiveness of existing vaccines hard to predict.