Two new subvariants of coronavirus are driving a surge in infection rates and hospitalisations across the globe. Health experts identified the strains - known as BA.5 and BA.4 - in Botswana and South Africa in March, and cases have quickly spread across Europe, the United States and Australia.
In the wake of the surge in infection rates, health experts are urging people to ensure that they are up to date with their vaccinations and boosters. Everyone over the age of five can have the first two shots, with those aged 16 and over will be eligible for a booster shot. Those aged 75 and over, those who live in care homes, and people aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system, will be offered a spring booster.
The NHS advises that anyone who has yet to receive their full vaccine programme does so as soon as possible. You can book an appointment online here, visit a walk-in vaccination centre or contact your GP surgery. If you cannot book appointments online, you can call 119 free of charge. You can speak to a translator if you need to.
