A NEEDLE-free Covid jab that could give "wide-ranging protection" against mutant strains is being trialled as the UK battles the Omicron variant.

The alternate vaccine, being developed by the University of Southampton, uses jets of air to push the dose through the skin rather than a needle.

According to the scientists behind the jab, it would also fight future coronaviruses.

Saul Faust, clinical chief investigator and director of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, said: "This isn't simply 'yet another' coronavirus vaccine as it has both Covid-19 variants and future coronaviruses in its sights.

"This technology could give wide-ranging protection to huge numbers of people worldwide."

While most existing Covid-19 vaccines use the sequence of the RNA for the spike protein from the first samples of the virus found in January 2020, the DIOSvax technology used for the new jab aims to predict how the virus could mutate, allowing it to target emerging variants.

Professor Jonathan Heeney, at the University of Cambridge who developed the vaccine with research company DIOSynVax, said: "As new variants emerge and immunity begins to wane we need newer technologies.

"It's vital that we continue to develop new generation vaccine candidates ready to help keep us safe from the next virus threats.

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"Our vaccine is innovative, both in terms of the way it primes the immune system to respond with a broader protective response to coronaviruses, and how it is delivered.

"Crucially, it is the first step towards a universal coronavirus vaccine we are developing, protecting us not just from Covid-19 variants but from future coronaviruses."

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Volunteers from the Southampton area who have had two doses of an existing vaccine but not a booster are being recruited for the trial – and will be paid £785.

It comes after Boris Johnson ramped up the UK's booster jab rollout – vowing all adults will get their third dose this month.

Data shows boosters offer up to 75 per cent protection from mild infection from Omicron, with The Sun relaunching our hugely successful Jabs Army campaign.

It comes as the first UK death from the Omicron variant was confirmed by Boris Johnson this morning.

The UKHSA revealed ten patients were in English hospitals with the mutated strain – between 18-85 years old, most having had two jabs.

Brits have been urged to get their boosters to fight the wave of variant cases.

Speaking during a visit to a vaccination clinic near Paddington, in west London, the Prime Minister said: "Sadly yes Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron.

"So I think the idea that this is somehow a milder version of the virus, I think that's something we need to set on one side and just recognise the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population.

"So the best thing we can do is all get our boosters."

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