Brits are being urged to get their booster jabs this autumn as a new highly contagious Covid variant takes hold, with approximately one in 10 UK cases now attributed to the emergent strain. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced it is keeping a close eye on the XEC variant, which has cropped up globally.
First identified in Germany, XEC has spread to 27 nations across Europe, Asia, and North America, with over 600 cases reported worldwide. Due to its multiple mutations, there’s concern that XEC could become the predominant strain. Meanwhile, the UKHSA has noted a modest increase in Covid-related hospital admissions in recent weeks, Gloucestershire Live reports.
The agency urges those eligible to not delay getting their Covid booster, as well as vaccines for flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, highlighted the importance of vaccination: “Covid-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks.”
He added: “As winter approaches, we expect flu and RSV to increasingly circulate too, so if you’re eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats – COVID-19, flu and RSV – now is the time to take them up and get winter strong.”
Dr Lopez Bernal further advised: “If you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.”
The latest Covid UK data shows an increase in COVID-19 activity across most indicators compared with the previous week, with COVID-19 hospitalisations and ICU admissions experiencing fluctuations. Positivity rates were highest in those aged 85 or more years, and the North East currently has the highest hospital admission rate.
Booster jabs will be available until December 20 this year for those deemed most vulnerable to Covid, including over-65s, people with underlying health conditions, those living in care homes, and frontline health and social-care staff. The NHS will reach out to eligible patients directly for appointments, or they can arrange them independently via various channels.
Although it’s no longer a requirement to self-isolate with Covid, it’s still advised to avoid contact with others if symptomatic. The XEC strain serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and vigilance in combating the ongoing pandemic.