Covid infections among those aged five to 17 rose in September coinciding with the start of the autumn school term in England, new research suggests.

The findings from the React-1 study also support the need for vaccine boosters, with a higher prevalence of double jabbed people testing positive within three to six months of their vaccination.

Researchers say it is important the vaccination programme maintains high coverage and reaches children and unvaccinated, or partially vaccinated adults, to reduce transmission and associated disruptions to work and education.

Read also: When can I get Covid booster vaccine? Everything you need to know

The study, conducted by Imperial College London and Ipsos Mori between September 9 and September 27, suggests one in 120 people were infected.

The data shows the infection rate is growing among those aged under 18, and falling among those aged 18-54.

However, many children between the ages of five and 17 have not been vaccinated. Single doses are now being offered to those aged 12 years and over.

Earlier this week, ministers urged parents to get their children vaccinated against Covid-19 amid concerns about the vaccination programme in secondary schools.

This comes after the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that around one in 15 children in secondary school in England are estimated to have had coronavirus in the week to October 2.

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