Covid booster jabs ‘to be sold on UK high streets’ after NHS removes 12million Brits from the ‘free list’

COVID vaccines could soon be available to buy on the high street, it has been reported.

Pharmacies and private healthcare providers may offer the jabs for more than £100 to those who aren’t prioritised by the NHS.

It comes after officials removed millions of Brits from the eligibility list for this autumn's booster campaign, in which jabs are free.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) raised the age of those in the vulnerable groups from 50 to 65 years old.

There were 11.6 million people aged between 50 and 64 in the 2021 population consensus of England and Wales.

It leaves older individuals without topped-up protection as the colder months draw in and the virus can spread more easily.

While the privately offered jabs won’t be ready in time for the autumn, it is expected they will be available from next year.

The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) said they could be available by spring at the earliest.

told The Sun: “Ensuring healthcare is as accessible as possible for people is our priority and we’re interested in offering a private Covid vaccination. Currently we are gathering information to assess whether it’s a viable option.”

A UKHSA spokesperson told : “We have spoken to manufacturers we’re in contract with and made it clear we won’t prevent them initiating a private market for Covid-19 vaccines, rather we’d welcome such an innovation in the UK.

“As far as we’re concerned, the ball is in the court of the manufacturers to develop the market with private healthcare providers.”

Prof Adam Finn, of the University of Bristol and a member of the UK’s JCVI, backed the plans, saying Covid jabs should be available commercially.

Speaking in a personal capacity, he said: “I think it will be a good idea for vaccines to be made available to those that want them on the private market.

"I don’t really see any reason why that shouldn’t be happening.