{"id":118028,"date":"2023-08-30T16:49:58","date_gmt":"2023-08-30T16:49:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yourclomid.com\/?p=118028"},"modified":"2023-08-30T16:49:58","modified_gmt":"2023-08-30T16:49:58","slug":"fears-over-new-covid-variant-sees-flu-and-booster-programme-brought-in-early","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yourclomid.com\/politics\/fears-over-new-covid-variant-sees-flu-and-booster-programme-brought-in-early\/","title":{"rendered":"Fears over new Covid variant sees flu and booster programme brought in early"},"content":{"rendered":"

Coronavirus: WHO share update on EG.5 COVID-19 variant<\/h3>\n

The Covid booster jab programme has been brought forward four weeks early amid growing concerns over the new variant detected in England on August 18.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While scientists are yet to classify it as a “variant of concern”, the high number of mutations mean health experts are urging vulnerable people to get boosted.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This afternoon the Government urged eligible people to come forward for their booster jab “as soon as they’re invited”.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The move to shore up Brits’ immune systems comes as a “precautionary measure”, as UK scientists from the Health Security Agency (UKHSA) examine the new BA.2.86 variant.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Yesterday, Dr Hillary Jones has now warned that we could be facing “another wave”, with growing hospitalisations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He warned Brits to “be careful”, as the Omicron sub-variant spreads following its WHO classification on August 9.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Announcing the news, Health Minister Maria Caulfield said the move “makes sense”.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“As our world-leading scientists gather more information on the BA.2.86 variant, it makes sense to bring forward the vaccination programme.<\/p>\n

“It is absolutely vital the most vulnerable groups receive a vaccine to strengthen their immunity over winter to protect themselves and reduce pressure on the NHS.<\/p>\n

“I encourage anyone invited for a vaccination – including those yet to have their first jab – to come forward as soon as possible.”<\/p>\n

Dame Jenny Harries added that some Brits remain “more vulnerable to sever illness from COVID-19”, and that the precautionary measure will allow them to ensure people have protection “against any potential wave this winter”.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dame Jenny added: “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 government and the public as we learn more”.<\/p>\n

“In the meantime, please come forward for the vaccine when you are called.”<\/p>\n

The vaccination campaign was previously due to commence in early October, as it’s thought providing a shorter gap between a booster shot and any potential winter wave is better for immunity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for this autumn is to offer the jab to those at high risk of serious disease from COVID-19, including:\u00a0<\/p>\n