The ‘Stratus’ variant was behind a recent spike in Covid cases
15:28, 10 Dec 2025Updated 15:28, 10 Dec 2025
A new Covid-19 variant, Stratus, is now the most common strain in the UK(Image: Getty Images)
The Government has issued a fresh statement on the severity of a new Covid variant circulating in the UK, as concerns grow over ‘flu-demic’ as hospitalisations rise heading into winter.
It comes after Liberal Democrat MP Joshua Reynolds asked ministers whether eligibility for free NHS Covid vaccinations would be reviewed in light of the emerging strain, known as XFG or ‘Stratus’.
The new strain was declared a ‘variant under monitoring’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on June 25 after it was first reported in January this year. According to the WHO, such variants need prioritised attention due to characteristics that may pose an additional threat compared to other strains of the virus.
The ‘Stratus’ variant was behind a spike in Covid cases in October this year, where more than 3,000 cases were reported in hospitals in one week. The latest data by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows 75 per cent of all Covid cases in England are XFG and its sub-lineages.
Responding on Monday (December 9), Health Minister Ashley Dalton said experts had assessed the latest data and concluded that only the groups at highest risk of severe illness should continue to be offered free NHS vaccines this season.
The new Stratus Covid variant is now the dominant strain in England(Image: Getty Images)
She said the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) had examined evidence on hospitalisation and mortality risks alongside cost-effectiveness analysis. While the overall danger from Covid is now ‘much lower for most people’, the minister said older adults and people with weakened immune systems remain the most vulnerable.
Under the current programme, free Covid jabs are offered to:
- Adults aged 75 and over
- Residents in older adult care homes
- People who are immunosuppressed
Ms Dalton said this targeted approach reflects where vaccination ‘was considered potentially cost-effective’ for the 2025 autumn rollout. Citing a UKHSA flu and Covid surveillance report, published on 27 November, she said the highest Covid hospital admission rate is in people aged 85 and over.
The minister also addressed concerns about the new ‘Stratus’ Covid variant. She said XFG is closely related to variants previously seen in the UK and stressed there is no evidence it causes more severe disease or evades the vaccines being used this year.
“The UKHSA will continue to monitor both Covid-19 outcomes and variant prevalence as we enter the winter season,” she added.
It comes as levels of flu and RSV – a common cause of coughs and colds – have ‘sharply increased’ in England, the UKHSA warned. While Covid-19 levels remain stable, surging flu levels – dubbed a ‘flu-demic’ – mean the NHS is facing an unprecedented wave of the virus this winter.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA said: “If you have flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, cough or feeling tired and achy – try to limit contact with others, especially those at higher risk.
“Wash your hands regularly, keep indoor spaces well-ventilated and if you need to go out while unwell, consider wearing a face mask.”