Cheaper private Covid jabs may end up as costly as pricier ones, say experts

Multi-dose vials were used during the pandemic (above) to help speed up mass vaccination. Photograph: Alberto Pezzali/AP

Cheaper private Covid jabs could end up being just as expensive as their pricier alternative because the vaccine must be given in groups of five, experts have warned.

Boots and pharmacies that partner with the company Pharmadoctor are offering Pfizer/BioNTech jabs to those not eligible for a free vaccination through the NHS, with the former charging almost £100 a shot. The latter is also offering the latest Novavax jab, a protein-based vaccine, at a cost of about £50.