Two rare types of Omicron have been reclassified as COVID variants of concern in the UK.

BA.4 and BA.5 are likely to have a growth advantage over the dominant BA.2 type, according to the UK Health Security Agency, which changed their classification.

Initial findings suggest they may also have a degree of “immune escape”, meaning the body may no longer be able to recognise or fight the virus.

However, experts say there’s no indication so far that they are associated with new symptoms or more severe disease.

Only 115 probable or confirmed BA.4 cases have been identified in the UK as of 20 May.

There are 67 in England, 41 in Scotland, six in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.

Some 80 cases of BA.5 have been identified, including 48 in England, 25 in Scotland, six in Northern Ireland and one in Wales.

The reclassification of BA.4 and BA.5 as variants of concern comes after UK experts recommended an autumn COVID booster jab for some people.

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