A pharmacist is urging people to get vaccinated and stem the spread of a new infectious strain of the Covid virus which has emerged in the UK after outbreaks in the US. Cases of XFG - dubbed the Stratus or “American Covid” strain - are rising, with 950 Covid hospital admissions reported in England in August, rising to 4,939 in September, a near five-fold rise.
Most recent figures have also reported 28 Covid deaths in England in the latest week - up nine on the week before. XFG and its sub-lineages now account for almost half of sequenced samples in the latest UKHSA data. The UKHSA says there has been a 34.6% increase in Covid cases week on week, but just 59.3% of people have accepted their Covid booster jab.
Rising cases and hospitalisations
Experts say symptoms remain broadly similar to previous Covid variants, although some people infected with newer variants have reported hoarseness and a particularly painful sore throat. Wendy Lee, deputy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, is urging people to take action before they become unwell by checking their eligibility for a Covid vaccination as cases continue to rise.
Care home residents, elderly patients aged 75 or older and immunosuppressed people are eligible for a free NHS Covid jab from their local pharmacy, but Wendy is urging all Brits to get vaccinated. Wendy said: “While the Covid vaccine cannot guarantee that you won't catch the virus, it remains an important layer of protection against serious illness and hospitalisation.
“Protection against infection can be more limited and tends to wane over time, which is why eligible people should take up the latest vaccination when offered. With new variants continuing to emerge, keeping your vaccination up to date is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell.”
Spread across the UK and US
The latest resurgence comes more than six years after millions of Brits were forced to stay indoors and work from home during the nationwide lockdowns of the global pandemic. In the US, Covid case numbers are continuing to rise in 19 states, with New York, Washington, Chicago and Boston all reporting an increase in infection numbers.
Reported cases in England are also on the rise with a reported 28.6 percent increase in a week, reaching 1,364 in the seven days to 23 September 2026. In Wales, as of September 27, there were 134 confirmed cases and 23 people in hospital, up from just one person the week previous. In Scotland, as of September 20, there were 197 confirmed cases and 70 hospital admissions. XFG variants are accounting for a substantial proportion of these sequenced Covid infections.
Symptoms and eligibility
Wendy is advising people to be mindful of the signs and symptoms of XFG. Wendy said: “Covid is a respiratory infection like the cold and flu. Similar to these other infections, Covid spreads from person-to-person through breathing, sneezing and coughing.
“The symptoms of any respiratory infection are similar with a high temperature, new continuous cough and a loss of taste or smell among the most common reported symptoms. Many patients have reported a hoarse throat as an early symptom of the latest XFG variant.”
This autumn, the vaccine is being offered to people aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and people aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed. Wendy said: “The eligibility criteria for the free NHS Covid vaccination have changed, so it is worth checking whether you or a family member qualifies first. As things stand, you are eligible if you are: Aged 75 and over – including those who will turn 75 by 31 January 2027; Resident of a care home for older adults, regardless of age; Aged six months and over and are immunosuppressed because of a health condition or treatment.
“If you are eligible, I would encourage you to take up the offer when contacted. The vaccine is designed primarily to reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell with Covid-19, rather than guaranteeing that you won't catch the virus.”
Private jabs and advice
Well Pharmacy offers a private Covid booster vaccine service for those who do not qualify for the free NHS jab. Available to adults and children aged 12 and over, it is subject to a pharmacist's clinical assessment. The service is separate from the NHS vaccination programme and currently costs from £90.
Wendy said: “Your local Well Pharmacy team can offer advice on Covid vaccinations, managing symptoms if you feel unwell and advise whether you need further medical help. Pharmacists can also advise you on appropriate treatments and direct you to other NHS services if necessary.”
As the colder months approach, respiratory viruses tend to circulate more easily, putting greater pressure on our health services and increasing the risk of serious illness, particularly among older people and those who are more vulnerable. Wendy said: “Getting vaccinated is one of the most important steps eligible people can take to protect themselves against serious complications from flu and Covid-19. These viruses can lead to pneumonia and other potentially serious illnesses, so I would encourage anyone who is eligible to take up their vaccination as soon as possible.
“It’s also important to remember that immunity from previous vaccinations can decrease over time, while viruses continue to evolve. Keeping your vaccinations up to date gives you the best opportunity to maintain protection when you need it most. If you’re eligible for an NHS vaccination, don’t put it off. Speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional if you’re unsure whether you qualify or whether vaccination is appropriate for you.”
