New Covid XEC variant identified

A new Covid strain, named the XEC variant, has been identified in Europe, and is currently looking likely to be the dominant strain for winter 2024, according to experts. Prof Francois Balloux, director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC News that XEC has a "slight transmission advantage" over other Covid variants.

There isn’t a vaccine yet specific to fighting XEC, but the UK Health Security Agency has found that existing vaccines are working well, and advice from the Government says it is worth having a booster if you are eligible. The NHS offers a free vaccine, previously known as the ‘Autumn Booster’, to groups at risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid in the autumn.

“Having your COVID-19 vaccination this autumn will give you protection from serious COVID illness over winter,” the Government has advised.

Eligible groups for a free Covid-19 booster for autumn 2024

  •  Adults aged 65 years and over

  • Residents in a care home for older adults

  • Individuals aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group (as defined in tables 3 or 4 in the Covid-19 chapter of the Green Book)

  • Frontline NHS and social care workerThose working in care homes for older people

The NHS has said it will confirm details on how and when eligible people can access the autumn vaccine in due course.

Citi Health offers corporate Covid-19 vaccinations to private organisations across the country. If you want to find out how to vaccinate staff members against Covid you can find out more on our website or telephone 0203 633 6301.

We are here to keep your production on track by making sure everyone is in their best health. Whether it’s health vaccinations, flu vaccinations or Covid vaccinations, we can ensure your cast and crew are protected so they can do their very best work under pressure. Find out more at our dedicated Film and TV productions page.