This year's Covid booster programme has been brought forward after NHS officials said a new variant - BA.2.86 - represents the most concerning new variant since Omicron first emerged
“BA.2.86 is characterised by a large number of mutations, many of which might be expected to help the virus evade existing immune responses. It makes sense, therefore, to bring forward the planned autumn vaccination campaign to ensure that those at highest risk of Covid have their protection topped up.
Claire Steves, professor of aging and health at King’s College London, welcomed the earlier start for two reasons. “We know from consistent research that older and frailer individuals although at more risk of infection, are still protected by vaccination,” she said. “While it’s not known for sure yet, it’s likely that broader immunity is better with higher levels of circulating antibodies, which means its likely that even though this vaccine is not designed for this particular variant, it is a good chance it will help to reduce risk, especially in the first three months after vaccination.
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