New Covid Strain Drives Summer Surge as NHS Urges Millions to Get Jabs Before Winter

Covid cases climbed to their highest level this year over the summer, and the NHS is now urging those most at risk of serious illness to get their Covid and flu jabs before winter.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that around nine per cent of tests taken in the week up to 24 August came back positive, the highest rate since November 2024, reported the Manchester Evening News.

The number of daily cases peaked at 274 on 12 August but had dropped to 144 by 26 August. Even so, health chiefs are calling on people to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated.

Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, told The Telegraph there were three main reasons behind the summer spike. Immunity in the population has fallen after nearly a year of low-level circulation, large events like festivals and weddings increased exposure, and a new, more infectious variant is now spreading.

The latest strain, known as XFG or “Stratus”, is a subvariant of Omicron. First spotted in January, it now makes up around 60 per cent of global Covid cases, according to the World Health Organisation. In June it was listed as a “variant under monitoring” because of mutations that could help it dodge antibodies from vaccines or previous infections.

While this may make the strain harder for the body to fight, health officials say there’s no evidence it is more dangerous than earlier versions. Symptoms remain the same – high temperature, a persistent cough, or changes to smell and taste. UKHSA figures confirm XFG is now the dominant variant in the UK.

The NHS autumn booster programme for Covid begins on 1 October 2025, with flu jabs available alongside it. Those eligible for the Covid booster include adults over 75, residents of older adult care homes, and anyone over six months old who is immunosuppressed.

Flu vaccines will also be offered to everyone aged 65 and over, younger people in clinical risk groups, and frontline health and social care staff.

Appointments can be booked through the NHS National Booking System, GP surgeries, pharmacies, schools, or local vaccination centres.

Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, stressed the importance of getting protected: “The threat from getting seriously ill from flu and Covid-19 is all too real and each year we see hundreds of thousands of people hospitalised due to these nasty viruses – especially across the winter months.

“Vaccination is our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving – so I would urge mums-to-be, parents of young children and teens, and others who are eligible to come forward or book appointments for their jabs as soon as possible, to help protect themselves and loved ones.

“Flu and Covid vaccines are free to those at greatest risk and teams across the country are working hard to make it as quick and easy as possible to get them via local GP practices, pharmacies, in schools and other community clinics, so please do book an appointment today – it could keep you out of hospital this winter.”