Scotland's winter vaccination programme is now underneath manner with plans to carry appointments ahead for these most susceptible to turning into severely sick from flu and COVID.

It comes because the UK Health Security Agency stated plans have been underneath strategy to restart COVID surveillance throughout the UK by means of monitoring an infection charges, hospitalisations and new variants.

BA.2.86, classed as a "variant of interest", was detected in Scotland on August 16. Less than a fortnight in a while 29 August, it was present in wastewater in one other NHS board space.

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Although BA.2.86 isn't but thought-about a variant of concern, it has a "high number of mutations". NHS officers stated it's the most regarding new pressure since Omicron first emerged.

The pressure has already been present in a number of international locations, together with Denmark, Israel and the US.

Invitations to ebook or attend an appointment for the jabs have already been despatched to these eligible. They embrace care house residents, these aged over 75, and people with weakened immune techniques who're set to be vaccinated from mid-October.

PHS reported 1,342 COVID circumstances in Scotland within the week ending 27 August.

Dr Nick Phin, director of public well being science at PHS, stated: "We are persevering with to observe the emergence and prevalence of COVID-19 variants in Scotland by way of our surveillance programme.

"While we are not concerned about the current levels of COVID-19, the identification of BA.2.86 in Scotland means that we are now working with health boards to ensure those most vulnerable to illness are protected this winter.

"Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest ways to guard your self from severe sickness and people eligible are inspired to ebook or attend their appointment when invited to take action.

"Coming forward when called will also help to alleviate pressures on local health boards who are working to deliver the winter vaccination programme at pace."

Content Source: information.sky.com