NHS officials have reported that a new Covid mutation was discovered on 18 August, the most concerning variant since Omicron first emerged. Although BA.2.86 is not classified as a variant of concern, scientists say it carries a high number of mutations, and the rollout of flu and COVID-19 vaccines has been brought forward. Vaccinations for care home residents and those who are immunocompromised will now start on 11 September, not in October. This group will be followed by inviting carers, pregnant women, social care personnel, and individuals aged 65 and above to receive booster shots. The NHS vaccinations director said that although flu and Covid hit hardest in December and January, the new variant presents a greater risk, so they want to vaccinate as many people as possible sooner.