Experts have urged Brits to stay alert to the new heavily-mutated Pirola Covid variant amid fears it could trigger a fresh wave of infections and overwhelm the NHS.
The government has reversed its decision to delay England’s covid and influenza vaccination campaigns for adults this year, citing the identification of a new covid variant as the reason.
Earlier this month,1 officials said the expected start date for this year’s autumn flu and covid vaccine programmes for adults would be delayed until early October in order to “maximise and extend protection during the winter.”
But following the emergence of variant BA.2.86,2 the government has asked the NHS to bring forward the programmes as a precautionary measure, with NHS England announcing additional funding for general practices and other providers to support the accelerated rollout.
From 11 September, those most at risk, including care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed, will be offered their covid vaccine first, followed by …