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Experts have warned that the new coronavirus XEC variant could spread quickly through the population because many people have not been vaccinated for so long.
Scientists believe the XEC variant may become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the coming months, with some mutations likely to continue to spread through the autumn.
The variant, a spinoff of the Omicron variant, has spread across Europe since it was first detected in Berlin in June and is likely to spread rapidly in the coming weeks.
An immunologist told The Independent that the XEC variant could spread rapidly in the UK because of “reduced levels of protective neutralising antibodies”.
The rate at which an infection spreads depends on both a population’s exposure and vulnerability to the virus (AFP via Getty Images)
Current NHS guidelines mean that the Covid vaccine will be offered to people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with health conditions or treatments that put them at higher risk of severe illness, and care home residents.
Professor Sheena Cruickshank, an expert in immunology at the University of Manchester, said protection for much of the population may be waning because of the long period without vaccinations.
“Predicting infection rates is complicated,” she said.
“There is no data yet on how well XEC evades antibodies, but the lack of effective ventilation measures and mask-wearing in buildings in the UK has the potential to allow it (the new variant) to thrive.”
“The speed at which an infection spreads depends not only on the amount of exposure to infection but also on the vulnerability of the population.”
“For many people, it has been a long time since their last vaccination and, if so, levels of protective neutralizing antibodies may be declining.”
The government currently vaccinates through two annual programs: a spring vaccination and an autumn booster shot.
Starting in 2023, the spring program will cover everyone over 75 years old, people who are immunosuppressed and care workers, while the autumn program will vaccinate everyone over 65 years old.
From 2022 onwards, people aged 50 to 65 with certain health conditions will not be included in the free vaccination programme.
Prof Cruickshank said there was no indication “at this stage” that further restrictions needed to be introduced.
However, precautions are essential to further reduce the need for future restrictions.
Tracking and tracing, good ventilation, the use of masks in healthcare settings and paid vaccination for those who cannot get a free booster jab will all help to ensure the UK’s health is safe.
“We’ve learned from previous research what not to do,” Prof Cruickshank said.
“I hope that they will look at it and learn and consider measures such as tracing and ventilation to reduce the risk of the country being forced into a shutdown.”
