Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations have been brought forward by a month in England as a precautionary measure following the discovery of a new Covid variant.

The move means those most at risk, including older people on care homes, and health and social care staff and carers, will able to be vaccinated from 11 September.

Health minister, Minister Caulfield, said: “As our world-leading scientists gather more information on the BA.2.86 variant, it makes sense to bring forward the vaccination programme.

“It is absolutely vital the most vulnerable groups receive a vaccine to strengthen their immunity over winter to protect themselves and reduce pressure on the NHS.

“I encourage anyone invited for a vaccination – including those yet to have their first jab – to come forward as soon as possible.”

According to the latest risk assessment by the UKHSA, BA.2.86, which was first detected in the UK on 18 August, has a high number of mutations and has appeared in several countries in individuals without travel history.

While BA.2.86 is not currently classified as a variant of concern, advice from the UKHSA suggests that speeding up the autumn vaccine programme will deliver greater protection, supporting those at greatest risk of severe illness and reducing the potential impact on the NHS.

Chief executive of the UKHSA, Dame Jenny Harries, said: “As we continue to live with Covid-19 we expect to see new variants emerge.

“Thanks to the success of our vaccine programme, we have built strong, broad immune defences against new variants throughout the population. However, some people remain more vulnerable to severe illness from Covid-19. This precautionary measure to bring forward the autumn programme will ensure these people have protection against any potential wave this winter.

“There is limited information available at present on BA.2.86 so the potential impact of this particular variant is difficult to estimate. As with all emergent and circulating Covid-19 variants – both in the UK and internationally – we will continue to monitor BA.2.86 and to advise government and the public as we learn more. In the meantime, please come forward for the vaccine when you are called.”