Everyone who can get Covid jab in Autumn 2024 - full list as new variant found

-Credit: (Image: PA)
-Credit: (Image: PA)


A new Covid variant has been discovered in the UK and is predicted to become the dominant strain by winter 2024. The XEC, strain was first identified in Germany in June but has since been found in other countries including the UK and USA.

Prof Francois Balloux, director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC News that XEC has a "slight transmission advantage" over other recent Covid variants, but vaccines should still provide good protection.

Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, warned the LA Times that XEC was "just getting started". He suggested it could be weeks or months before it takes hold, but "XEC is definitely taking charge".

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Despite this, vaccines are still expected to combat the worst effects of the infection. The NHS is offering free booster jabs to protect those most at risk.

While the vaccines are regularly updated, a version specifically targeting XEC, which evolved from earlier Omicron subvariants, has not yet been released. However, the UK Health Security Agency advises that it's worth getting one if you're eligible.

The statement read: "As we move into autumn, protection from any earlier Covid-19 vaccination you may have had will be starting to wane. For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from Covid-19, the NHS offers a free vaccine in the autumn, previously known as the 'Autumn Booster'.

"Current vaccines provide good protection against severe disease and hospitalisation. UKHSA surveillance data relating to last autumn's programme shows that those who received a vaccine were around 45% less likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 from 2 weeks following vaccination, compared to those who remained unvaccinated. Protection lasts for around 4 months.

"Vaccination continues to help protect against severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths arising from Covid-19. Between November, December and January over 38,000 people were admitted to hospital with the virus."

However, since the initial wave of vaccinations during the Covid pandemic, there has been a reduction in who can have one on the NHS. There are several key groups who do still qualify.

Eligible groups autumn 2024

The eligibility is the same across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The vaccine should usually be offered no earlier than around six months after the last vaccine dose.

If you are eligible, you can get protection from an autumn Covid-19 vaccination even if you have not taken up a Covid-19 vaccine offer in the past.

Eligibility for the immunosuppressed

The UKHSA said: "We understand that having a weakened immune system (immunosuppression) is a lot less straight forward than the other criteria. Looking online can cause even more confusion, as people might see themselves (and be considered by others) as immunosuppressed but might not fit the immunosuppression criteria for vaccination."

Eligibility is outlined in Chapter 14a of the Green Book, a document published by UKHSA specifically for public health professionals. Key groups include:

  • Organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant patients

  • Those being treated with systemic steroids for more than a month

  • Those living with HIV

  • Those receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy, including children who are about to receive therapy

  • Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy

  • Those who require long-term treatment for immunosuppression

  • Those with a history of haematological malignancy including chronic leukaemia, lymphomas, and leukaemia

  • Those with genetic disorders affecting the immune system

However there are others who do qualify. Check online at nhs.uk/get-vaccine to see if you are eligible.

How to access the Covid-19 autumn vaccination

NHS England will confirm details on how and when eligible people can access the autumn vaccine in due course. COVID-19 spreads more easily in winter because we spend more time indoors with others.

Having your Covid-19 vaccination this autumn will give you protection from serious Covid illness over winter.

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