The rising cases of the new Covid variant XEC have led to an alarming increase in hospital admissions across Britain, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The admission rate for patients testing positive for Covid XEC has risen to 4.5 per 100,000 people, up from 3.7 the previous week. The North East region has been particularly hard hit, with the highest hospital admission rates at 8.12 per 100,000. For those aged 85 and older, the rate is even higher at 52.48 per 100,000.
Experts emphasize the importance of staying up to date with vaccines and booster shots to protect against severe illness and hospitalization. The NHS has begun offering autumn Covid boosters to the most vulnerable groups, including over-65s, individuals with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, residents of care homes, and frontline healthcare workers.
To book a Covid vaccination appointment, eligible individuals can use the NHS App, contact their GP, visit a pharmacy, attend a drop-in clinic, or call 119. Additionally, some High Street chemists and private clinics offer the Pfizer Covid vaccine at varying costs ranging from £45 to £99. Individuals must be aged 12 or above and should not have received a Covid vaccine in the past three months.
Currently, the UK is administering vaccines from two companies: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Both vaccines are effective in providing protection against severe illness and death, and individuals are advised to receive whichever vaccine is available to them.
It is crucial for individuals to stay informed about the vaccination process and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the spread of Covid XEC. By following the guidelines set forth by health authorities and getting vaccinated, we can all contribute to slowing down the transmission of the virus and safeguarding public health.
