MATT Hancock gave a statement in the House of Commons this afternoon (Monday), where he revealed plans for a new Covid booster shot.

Describing the virus as diminished but not defeated, the Health Secretary said we are on track to meet the roadmap set out by the Prime Minister, but must be vigilant and cautious to make sure the road remains a one-way street.

Mr Hancock said the biggest risk to progress is a new variant the vaccine does not work as well against.

"We know from our response to other viruses like the flu that we need updated vaccines to tackle mutated viruses," said the Health Secretary. 

He said, as we complete the program of first and second jabs, the government is ramping up plans for a booster shot, and has already procured enough vaccine doses to begin booster shots later this year.

The news comes as a new Indian variant of coronavirus threatens to delay Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Matt Hancock told MPs India will be added to the UK's coronavirus travel "red list" from 4am on Friday.

It means people who have been in India in the last ten days cannot enter the UK, and must quarantine in a hotel.

Matt Hancock also said care home workers could be required to have the vaccine, and the government is doing everything in its power to drive uptake of the vaccine — especially where vulnerable people are concerned.

He said the government is looking at whether or not it should require care home providers to only deploy workers who have had the vaccine, unless they have an exemption.

A consultation has been launched on the issue.