New Omicron Covid Variant Is Under Investigation

The UKHSA have shared information on the sub-lineage of the Omicron variant known as 'BA.2', with cases believed to be very low.

In Denmark, where half of the cases are BA.2, initial studies have shown there to be no change in hospitalisations between the first Omicron variant and the new one.

However, more data and investigation is needed to make these reports more conclusive.

The UKHSA's incident director, Dr Meera Chand, says that the new strand was fully expected and it's 'the nature of viruses to evolve and mutate'.

"Our continued genomic surveillance allows us to detect them and assess whether they are significant," added Dr Chand.

"We do not know yet."

"It is a possibility," he said. "In that case, we must be prepared for it. And then, in fact, we might see two peaks of this epidemic."

While more evidence is still needed, there are some concerns that the new variant might me more transmissible than BA.1.

In terms of the original BA.1, the UKSHA say insisted that boosters continue to provide high levels of protection against severe disease from Omicron in older adults.

Professor Wei Shen Lim, the JCVI’s chair of COVID-19 immunisation, said: "The current data shows the booster dose is continuing to provide high levels of protection against severe disease, even for the most vulnerable older age groups. For this reason, the committee has concluded there is no immediate need to introduce a second booster dose, though this will continue to be reviewed.

"The data is highly encouraging and emphasises the value of a booster jab. With Omicron continuing to spread widely, I encourage everyone to come forward for their booster dose, or if unvaccinated, for their first 2 doses, to increase their protection against serious illness."