In recent days, we have seen the new Omicron variant of coronavirus becoming more prevalent, with cases unrelated to international travel popping up across the UK, suggesting community transmission.

Understandably, there is concern about this new variant, including within government, so we have seen the reintroduction of certain restrictions as a precautionary action, in an attempt to reduce the spread of the variant, while its properties are urgently being investigated.

Travel restrictions have already been implemented, with a number of countries in Africa being added to the UK’s travel red list. Additionally, a proportionate testing regime is now in place.

In England, face coverings are once again compulsory in shops, on public transport and in other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers. All contacts of suspected cases of Omicron must self-isolate for ten days, regardless of their vaccination status.

To ensure more of the population is protected, this week the government announced a shortening of the interval between second vaccine dose and booster to 91 days, with further extension of the vaccination programme to a booster for anyone aged over 18. 

Our Primary Care Networks and GP Practices are working incredibly hard to get both flu vaccines and booster jabs into arms, while also undertaking their normal primary care duties, and we should be grateful for their efforts.

Clearly, despite the widening of eligibility, there is still a need to prioritise those who are most vulnerable to Covid-19 and its complications - i.e. those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, older patients, the housebound, those in care homes or who are immunosuppressed as well as health and social care staff and those who have not yet stepped forward to have either their first or second vaccine. This approach is based on recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). 

I must stress that, given this huge effort from our GP practices, local residents are asked not to contact their GP to arrange their booster and flu jabs. This will allow them to continue their day-to-day work in primary care, and ensure phone lines are free for those who have an urgent need to contact their surgery.

More investigation is needed before we know the extent of the risk this new variant poses to public health. But its emergence is a clear reminder to us all that the pandemic is not over, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to limit transmission and reduce the infection rate and prevent the emergence of new variants.