Superdrug is considering selling Covid jabs after receiving approval from health officials. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has expressed support for the availability of vaccines on the High Street, signaling a move towards treating Covid like the flu. While annual flu jabs typically cost around £20, Covid vaccines are expected to be more expensive. It is believed that private distribution of Covid vaccines won’t be possible until the spring, separate from the official NHS programme set to roll out again in the autumn.
A spokesperson for Superdrug stated that their priority is to make healthcare as accessible as possible and they are interested in offering private Covid vaccinations. However, they are currently gathering information to determine the viability of this option. Other pharmacies such as Boots, Lloydspharmacy, Well, and Rowlands did not comment on their plans for offering Covid jabs.
Autumn booster jabs will be available to over-65s, NHS workers, and high-risk individuals. However, this year’s campaign has been significantly scaled back compared to previous years. The distribution of private vaccines would likely involve the use of ready-filled syringes, which could take several months to implement. Leading experts, including a member of No10’s vaccine advisory panel, believe that making Covid jabs available privately would be beneficial. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirms that pharmaceutical companies are allowed to sell Covid vaccines privately.
The director of the Covid Vaccine Unit at the UKHSA, Philippa Harvey, stated that the vaccination programme is focusing on those at higher risk of serious illness in line with JCVI advice. While private sales of Covid vaccines are not currently allowed in the UK, there are no explicit restrictions on licensed vaccines. The DHSC encourages manufacturers to explore the private market with healthcare providers. The cost of private Covid jabs is currently unclear, but it is expected to differ from the £20 per dose paid to Pfizer by the government during the pandemic.
As cases of Covid continue to rise, there are concerns about a potential winter surge. A new variant, Eris (EG.5.1), accounted for a significant proportion of sequenced cases in England in July. However, experts state that it appears to be no more dangerous than other circulating strains. Another variant, BA.X (BA.2.86), has also raised concerns due to its numerous mutations. The World Health Organization has begun monitoring this variant, which first appeared in Denmark and Israel.
Improving access to Covid vaccinations through private sales could help accelerate the vaccination campaign and mitigate the impact of new variants. However, careful planning and consideration are necessary to ensure the viability and effectiveness of such an approach.
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