As winter approaches, Lincolnshire is making preparations ahead of more COVID-19 challenges.

The county continues to build vaccine immunity for vulnerable groups, and local health bosses are waiting for guidance about the Autumn booster shot programme.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (ULHT) has reported that they are currently treating nine patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

The trust is developing strategies based on national guidelines to address any potential increases in cases later this year.

In preparation for winter increases, 81,254 booster shots were given during the spring, equating to a 72.98% uptake, according to the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.

The vaccines were offered to people aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, and those aged five years and over with a weakened immune system.

Vaccinations are still available for certain individuals, including those newly diagnosed with immuno-suppressive disorders. More information can be found on the Lincolnshire ICB website.

A spokesperson for the trust said: "We will respond to a potential new wave of COVID-19 as we have the previous waves, which included following any and all national guidance."

On top of hospital developments and vaccine drives, there have been national warnings about potential challenges with COVID-19 in the coming months.

The NHS plans to offer the seasonal vaccine to those at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes in Autumn 2023.

An announcement from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is expected in the coming weeks.

Andy Fox, Assistant Director of Public Health at Lincolnshire County Council, highlighted the importance of getting vaccinated.

He said: "As we look ahead to autumn and winter, we would expect to see an increase in the incidence of infections with respiratory viruses in Lincolnshire, including Covid-19 and flu," he said.

"The best way that we can be prepared is to make sure that everyone eligible takes up the flu vaccine and the autumn COVID booster when it is available."

An increase in cases includes many of the new variant, Eris, which mutated from Omicron.

A new COVID variant is spreading across the country this summer, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says, which already makes up one in seven new cases.

Scientifically known as EG.5.1, it is descended from the Omicron variant of COVID, and makes up to 15% of new cases.

The Arcturus XBB.1.16 variant – another descendant of Omicron – is the most dominant, UKHSA figures show, making up 40% of all cases.

But UK scientists are also researching potential future viruses, known as "Disease X", at Porton Down, Sky News reported last week.

More than 200 scientists are identifying animal viruses that have the potential to infect humans and cause global outbreaks, although what form this future disease could take is unknown.

The UK Health Security Agency has said it is important to be proactive, highlighting efforts to develop vaccines and treatments in advance.

It is hoped to ensure rapid response capabilities and reduce the risk of new diseases emerging.