Fading Covid-19 immunity should prompt those eligible to top up their boosters this summer, according to the local public health director.

Between March and July, the UK has seen a small surge in the number of reported Covid-19 cases, although the reliability of the data is limited by people testing significantly less the further we get from the pandemic.

The UK Health Security Agency no longer publishes local data regarding Covid cases but typically there are currently around 5.82 cases recorded per 100,000 people every seven days compared to 2.22 on March 1.

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Those aged 75 and older, residents in care homes, and anyone over six months with a weakened immune system have been offered a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. This was meant to occur between April and June but is still available on request.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, Lancashire County Council, told Blog Preston: “Covid-19 immunity fades with time so I would encourage everyone who is eligible to top up your protection with a spring booster.

“If you are eligible and haven’t yet had one then please ask your GP. There are other respiratory viruses and vaccine preventable diseases, such as measles, currently in circulation, so please make sure you’re protected.

“If you are poorly with Covid-19 or any illness – especially if you have a fever – then you should stay at home until you recover and avoid meeting vulnerable people.”

A summer spike in Covid-19 cases is not especially unusual and recent rises have been attributed to the FLiRT subvariants. Infection transmission experts in the UK suggested that busy pub beer gardens and music festivals can be contributing factors.

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