Fears of new Covid variant spark early roll out of flu and coronavirus vaccines

This autumn's flu and coronavirus vaccine programme will be rolled out earlier than usual in England due to concerns about a new variant.

The move is a precautionary measure following the identification of new Covid variant BA.2.86, which was first detected in the UK on Friday, August 18. According to the latest risk assessment by the UK Health Security Agency, BA.2.86 has a high number of mutations and has appeared in several countries in individuals without travel history.

While BA.2.86 is not currently classified as a variant of concern, advice from the UKHSA suggests that speeding up the autumn vaccine programme will deliver greater protection, supporting those at greatest risk of severe illness and reducing the potential impact on the NHS.

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The following groups will be able to have their jabs in September:

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Vaccinations are due to begin on September 11, with adult care home residents and those most at risk to receive vaccines first. The vaccination campaign was previously due to commence in early October.

There is no change to the wider public health advice at this time, the government said. Health Minister, Minister Caulfield said: "As our world-leading scientists gather more information on the BA.2.86 variant, it makes sense to bring forward the vaccination programme.

"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. I encourage anyone invited for a vaccination – including those yet to have their first jab – to come