Fears over new mutant Covid strain sparks calls for fresh booster-jabs for all Scots
Concerns are growing over the new Pirola variant of Covid-19, leading to calls for the coronavirus booster vaccine to be offered to all individuals in Scotland. Professor Devi Sridhar, a member of the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 advisory group, argues for universal eligibility for the booster, expanding beyond the over-65s. Another expert, Professor Rowland Kao, has also urged for the reintroduction of free lateral flow testing and warned of a challenging winter ahead.
Prof. Sridhar, chair of global public health at Edinburgh University, is particularly worried about the increasing number of mutations in the B.A.2.86 variant (Pirola). In discussing the need for boosters, she emphasizes the importance of widening the criteria for eligibility and administering the shots sooner to provide protection against new sublineages of Omicron. She suggests extending eligibility to individuals over the age of 50 and even to younger individuals who want to be vaccinated, citing the annual flu vaccination program as a potential model.
On the subject of lockdown restrictions, Prof. Sridhar expresses no concerns, emphasizing the importance of proportionality in decision-making. However, Prof. Kao warns that the threat from Covid is worsening, although there is currently no evidence to suggest that the new variant is more harmful than previous versions. He advises individuals with symptoms to isolate and recommends the use of lateral flow tests to identify potential cases.
Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Sir Gregor Smith, has briefed the government on the new variant. Deputy First Minister Shona Robison encourages individuals to get vaccinated and states that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will provide guidance on how to address the new variant. Regarding potential measures such as face masks, social distancing, and lockdowns, Robison indicates that the government will follow expert advice and collaborate with UK partners if changes in guidance become necessary.
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