BOOSTER Covid jabs are to be offered to ALL Brit adults in just weeks, a Government source has revealed.
It comes amid the spread of the latest super strain Omicron with three cases already identified in the UK.
On Monday the vaccines watchdog is set to approve the booster shot for over-18s.
A source from Whitehall told The Daily Mail: “We want to put the booster programme on steroids.”
More than 75 “probable” cases of the Omricon variant have been flagged with more than 150 possible others, according to Government sources.
Ministers and scientists are scrambling to work out how contagious and dangerous Omicron is.
However, one doctor in South Africa has claimed that the variant does not cause loss of taste or smell but has “unusual” and “mild” symptoms – including intense fatigue and high heart rate.
Meanwhile, the PM announced yesterday that new restrictions would be imposed in a bid to keep the lid on the new mutant variant.
Sajid Javid revealed that mandatory face masks in shops and public transport will return from Tuesday.
When asked on Sky News this morning how mandatory mask-wearing will be enforced, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I do think people will take this more seriously”.
Masks have remained compulsory on London’s Tube system, but Transport for London figures show only 108 people out of the millions who travel on the Tube have been removed for not wearing face coverings.
Read our Omicron variant live blog for the latest news & updates
But Mr Javid insisted: “Over the last few days, and of course this has been very fast-moving, people will have been able to understand the concerns over this new variant.
“They will be concerned not just for themselves but for their friends and family and want to know their Government is taking proportionate action.
“So I think that will encourage people anyway to listen and think about some of the new measures and take them seriously.”
He added: “I hope this is something we can remove within weeks.”
MPs will vote on the new restrictions within 28 days after the legislation is placed before the Commons tomorrow.
Trending In The News today issues a fresh call for Jabs Army volunteers after the announcement that the booster shot could be offered sooner.
We need 25,000 NHS volunteer responders to help out at hundreds of vaccination centres UK-wide.
And with scientists urging anyone eligible for a booster to get one by December 11 and under 18s being considered for second vaccinations, our Jabs Army needs you.
Volunteers are needed all over England but there are 20 areas that are desperate for support now.
