The number of people requesting a private Covid vaccine this month is expected to be three times higher than last October, following the Government’s decision to restrict free jabs on the NHS to the over-75s.
Some 13 million people who were eligible for a booster in autumn 2024 can no longer get the jab for free, fuelling demand for private vaccines via high-street pharmacies.
Pharmadoctor, the UK’s largest provider of private Covid jabs in chemists, said demand for the vaccines last month was more than double that in September last year.
Appointment booking data for this month shows patient demand for private Covid jabs is on track to be more than three times what it was last October, Pharmadoctor’s chief executive Graham Thoms told The i Paper.
The Department of Health has tightened the eligibility criteria for free Covid vaccines on the NHS since last year, from over-65s in autumn 2024 to the over-75s this year.
This follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
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Previously, free jabs were also offered to anyone aged over six months in a clinical risk group, such as those with long-term health conditions. This year, the offer has been narrowed to individuals who are immunosuppressed and aged six months and over, a smaller group than last year.
Residents in care homes for older adults are also eligible for free Covid vaccines.
There are about 9.4 million people in the UK aged between 65 and 74, who will now no longer be eligible.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The Government is committed to protecting those most vulnerable to Covid-19 through vaccination.
“In line with independent JCVI advice, those aged 75 years and over, older adults in care homes and individuals who are immunosuppressed are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination this autumn and are encouraged to come forward to protect themselves.
“Individual companies are responsible for setting the cost of vaccines supplied on the private market.”
The decision to restrict Covid jabs to the over-75s this year has triggered confusion, because people aged 65 and over can still get a flu vaccine for free on the NHS.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) revealed on Monday that people no longer eligible for a Covid jab had been incorrectly able to book an appointment through the NHS booking system.
This error had led to “major issues”, the NPA said, with their members facing abuse and frustration from people believing they had a right to the vaccine.
Community Pharmacy England said that between a third and a half of people who turn up for their appointment had to be turned away.
NHS England has now changed the wording on the Covid appointments website to make it clear that the eligibility criteria has been tightened.
A spokeswoman added: “Please double-check you are still eligible to receive a Covid vaccine before booking – the NHS website sets out whether your age, health condition or medication means you are eligible, and your GP practice or pharmacist will confirm this before giving you the vaccine.”
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