New type of corona virus expected to dominate this winter - can get round vaccine

From 1st November recommendations concerning general covid-vaccination for young people under 18 no longer apply. The reason, according to the Public Health authorities , is the extremely low risk of serious illness and death from covid -19 among children and young adults.

During recent weeks the number of covid cases has been unchanged, around 300 - 400 per week in Skåne, of which 20 - 40 cases in retirement homes.

At the same time there is a warning that a new mutation of the omicron virus is spreading in Europe. It is called BQ1, and is expected to take over from the previous variants in December - January in Skåne.

The problem is that this variant has qualities which enable it to get round previous immunity.

– There are no indications that it causes more serious illness than the other variants. But it's too early to be completely sure, says Sara Byfors, assistant head of department at FHM, to TT.