Plan for Covid vaccine to be sold in Boots and Superdrug

Covid jabs could be sold in shops like the flu vaccine in the coming months, as two high street retailers confirmed they are looking into the idea, which is supported by the government. Superdrug and Boots have told The Times they are exploring ways of selling Covid vaccines, which until now have only been available from the NHS.

- ALEX ROSS

It comes as latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that Covid infection rates have soared, with around one in 24 people in England and Wales likely to have tested positive in mid-December. The rise in cases has led to concerns that NHS-only access to the vaccines may have resulted in reduced uptake this winter, with fewer than 70 per cent of over-65s in England having received the seasonal jab by 13 December.

Access to the vaccine is more restricted than access to the flu jab, which is available to buy at pharmacists and private clinics and is priced between £10 and £20.