According to scientists, people have started catching a new Covid variant which may soon become dominant and become the dominant type.

Cases of the XEC variant identified in Germany in June have since emerged in the UK, US, Denmark and several other countries, says user on x, Earlier known as Twitter.

There are some new mutations that could help it spread this autumn, although experts say vaccines should still help prevent severe cases.

For people who are more likely to become seriously ill from Covid, the NHS offers a free booster shot.

The vaccines have been updated to better match recent variants, although not XEC, which first emerged from the Omicron subvariant.

Professor Francois Balloux, director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC News that although ExCe has a “modest transmission advantage” compared to other recent Covid variants, the vaccines should still provide good protection.

He says it is possible that EXEC will become the dominant subvariant in winter.

Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, says XEC is “just getting started”.

“And it will take several weeks, a few months, before it really takes hold and creates a wave,” he told the LA Times.

“The Exec is definitely taking charge.

“It looks like this is the next version.

“But there are still several months to go before we reach higher levels.”

• a high temperature
• Pain
• Tiredness
• cough or sore throat

The UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA) says that mutation and change of the virus is normal.

People who qualify for the free booster vaccine include:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• who live in a care home for older adults
• People older than six months in the clinical risk group
• Some frontline NHS, care home and social care workers

main Vaccination campaign for flu and Covid Starting in October, although some may get their shots earlier.

Dr Gayathri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, said: “It is normal and expected for the virus to change genetically over time. UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging Covid variants in the UK and internationally and regularly publish our data.

“Vaccination offers the best protection against severe disease from Covid-19, and we urge people who have been contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine.”

Many high street chemists and private clinics sell and administer Covid vaccines directly to the public.

Cost ranges from around £45 to £99.

You must be 12 years of age or older, and not have had a COVID shot in the last three months.

Routine Covid testing is not recommended, but people can buy a home test from high street and online chemists for around £2.