Overview

• UKHSA surveillance shows COVID-19 test positivity rose from 7.6% to 8.4% in a week, with hospitalisations up from 2.00 to 2.73 per 100,000.
• Pregnant women and millions of children have already begun receiving vaccinations, with further appointments for eligible groups available from the start of October.
• For the first time, toddlers can receive the nasal flu vaccine at community pharmacies.
• UKHSA reports a sharp rise in rhinovirus positivity to 14.8% from 10.9%, prompting reminders on handwashing, tissue use, limiting contact when unwell, and wearing a face covering if you must go out with symptoms.
• Media reports suggest a new COVID variant called XFG (Stratus) is now dominant in the UK, with experts recommending topping up protection through vaccination.