Brits urged to get Covid boosters amid fears of back-to-school surge of new variant

BRITS are being urged to get their Covid booster jab from today amid fears a new variant could surge as school starts.

The NHS is offering vaccinations to care homes today and over-65s will be able to book an appointment from next week.

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England’s autumn introduction was brought forward to ward off the heavily mutated strain nicknamed Pirola.

Britain’s health regulator confirmed on Friday that the variant was spreading and was behind a recent outbreak at a nursing home in Norfolk.

NHS vaccines director Steve Russell told The Sun: “The return of schools may lead to a rise in infections among children.”

“It is important that those eligible for vaccination protect themselves and the young people in their lives.”

In England there have been 34 cases of Pirola, five patients in hospital but no deaths.

“If you are eligible, it is important that you book in time for vaccination.

“Not only does it reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill, but it also reduces the likelihood that you will pass the disease on to a loved one.”