This chapter delves into the new Covid variant BA286 and its potential impact, comparing it to the Omicron variant. It discusses the mutations, spread, and concerns surrounding BA286, as well as the role of vaccination and T cell response in preventing severe disease.
The UK Health Security Agency has announced plans to bring forward its autumn Covid-19 vaccination programme, and scale up testing and surveillance, after the emergence of the BA.2.86 variant. Madeleine Finlay and Ian Sample discuss where current infection rates stand, the characteristics of the new variant, and how prepared the UK is for a new wave. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod