NHS officials say the variant, known as BA.2.86, represents the most concerning new variant since Omicron first emerged. And while It is not classified as a “variant of concern”, scientists say it carries a high number of mutations.
Scientists also say it has mutated, but has not been classed as a “variant of concern”.
Vaccination efforts aimed at care home residents and those who are immunocompromised will now start on 11 September rather than the initial October date.
This group will be followed by carers, pregnant women, social care personnel, and individuals aged 65 and above, all of whom will receive booster shots this upcoming winter.
Dame Jenny Harries, UK Health Security Agency chief executive, said: “As we continue to live with COVID-19, we expect to see new variants emerge.
“Thanks to the success of our vaccine programme, we have built strong, broad immune defences against new variants throughout the population. However, some people remain more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19.”
Dame Jenny acknowledged the complexity of estimating the potential impact of BA.2.86, citing limited available data.
“As is the case with all emerging and circulating COVID-19 variants, both within the UK and on a global scale, we will continue to closely monitor BA.2.86 and provide guidance to the government and the public as our understanding grows,” she asserted.