Brits urged to get Covid boosters amid fears of back-to-school surge of new variant

BRITS are being urged to get their Covid boosters from today amid fears of a back-to-school surge of a new variant.

The NHS will be offering jabs to care homes today and over-65s can book from next week.

PA

Brits are being urged to get their Covid boosters from today amid fears of a back-to-school surge of a new variant[/caption]

England’s autumn rollout was brought forward to head off the highly mutated strain, nicknamed Pirola.

The UK Health Security Agency on Friday confirmed the variant was spreading and was behind a recent outbreak in a Norfolk care home.

NHS vaccines director Steve Russell told The Sun: “Schools returning can lead to a spike in infections with children.

“It is essential those eligible for a jab protect themselves and the young people in their lives.”

There have been 34 Pirola cases in England, with five patients in hospital but no deaths.

“If you are eligible, it’s important to book when invited for your vaccination.

“It not only reduces your risk of getting seriously ill, it also reduces the chance of you passing it onto a loved one.”