Boots UK is launching a private Covid-19 vaccination service in England using the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, with patients charged £98.95.

From April 1, 50 Boots stores will offer the one-dose service to individuals aged 12 years and above, making the multiple the first pharmacy chain to offer Covid-19 jabs privately. Appointment slots are being released this week.

Eligibility for a free NHS vaccine is restricted to high risk patients including over-65s and those with weakened immune systems.

A Boots spokesperson said: “We are launching a private Covid-19 vaccination service for people who are not eligible for an NHS vaccination but still want the option to protect themselves from the virus.

“Our private service builds on our existing delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations for the NHS and we are pleased we can now offer Covid-10 vaccinations both on behalf of the NHS and privately, as we have done with flu vaccinations for many years.”

The move follows last month’s announcement that digital healthcare company PharmaDoctor, which works with independent pharmacies on a number of clinical services, would be rolling out a private Covid-19 vaccination service to its partner pharmacies with a guide price of £75-85 per patient.

PharmaDoctor also anticipates that it will roll out the one-dose Novavax jab from April 22, with a guide price of £45-55 per patient.