Scientists intently monitoring the BA.2.86 pressure, nicknamed Pirola, have recognized two instances on this nation since August 18.

As a consequence, ­the UK Health Security Agency really helpful jabs be introduced ahead to September 11 from October 2. Dame Jenny Harries, UKHSA chief government, mentioned the change would guarantee those that are most weak are protected this winter.

She added: “The potential impact of this particular variant is difficult to estimate. In the meantime, please come forward for the vaccine when you are called.”

Care residence residents and people most in danger – together with sufferers with weak immune methods – would be the first ­ in line for jabs.

Other teams that might be invited because the programme progresses embrace pregnant ladies, healthcare workers, carers and people over 65.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England medical director, mentioned this could possibly be a “very challenging winter”.

He added: “The NHS will work shortly to supply folks safety in opposition to these nasty viruses as quickly as doable, first going into grownup care properties and alluring these most in danger together with these with weakened immune methods."

“So please come forward to get your protection against both Covid and flu as soon as possible once invited.” Health minister Maria Caulfield added: “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.”

The World Health Organisation said on Monday that around 10 cases of Pirola had been detected across the globe.

Professor Francois Balloux, director of the UCL Genetics Institute, has described it as “the most striking SARS-CoV-2 strain the world has witnessed since the emergence of Omicron”.Shortly after the first cases were reported in Israel and Denmark, he said it was likely the variant would have some ability to escape immunity generated by previous strains and vaccines.

But he added: “Even in the worst case scenario where BA.2.86 caused a major new wave of cases, we are not expecting to witness comparable levels of severe disease and death than we did earlier in the pandemic."

“Most folks have been vaccinated and/or contaminated by the virus.”