You will soon be able to get Covid-19 vaccines outside of the NHS for the first time since their introduction in December 2020.
Set to be made available to anyone aged 12 and above from Monday 1 April 2024 onwards, British pharmacy and beauty brand Boots will be the first retailer to sell Covid vaccines to the general public.
Boots will be stocking the Pfizer jab in a total of 50 stores across the country, with single doses said to cost £98.95 a pop, the new private vaccine purchases provide an option for those who do not currently fit the criteria for a free booster.
A Boots spokesperson told The Times: “Our private service builds on our existing delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations for the NHS and we are pleased we can now offer Covid vaccines both on behalf of the NHS and privately, as we have done with flu vaccinations for many years.”
Credit: Lisa Ferdinando (via Wikimedia Commons)
The high street staple insists that offering Covid jabs over the counter will help bring peace of mind to people who still want added protection from the virus who are currently unable to get one via the NHS, whose official vaccination programme ended in 2021.
Eligibility for boosters has mainly been reserved for those considered high-risk, including over-65s or patients who are immunosuppressed as a result of pre-existing conditions.
Meanwhile, although healthier young people and adults are unlikely to suffer severely from coronavirus, vaccines can still help shield them from uncomfortable symptoms such as coughs and sore throats.
Jabs will still have to be administered inside the shop itself, with Boots releasing appointment slots from this week ahead of the rollout next month. Opting for the single-dose Pfizer vaccine also means patients will not need to return for a second visit.
Compared to the likes of the flu jab which are roughly between £15-20 in most cases, it remains to be seen whether the cost of Covid jabs will put people off getting them on the high street.
Image: Google Street View
Plans to sell them privately were outlined back in December 2023 with both Pfizer and Moderna making it clear they were keen to sell their products on the high street, but prices will still be set by individual pharmacies as more brands inevitably come on board.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said last year that it was happy with private sales, stating: “We have spoken to manufacturers we’re [contracted] 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.”
If you’re interested in getting a Covid booster, before going right ahead and booking a private appointment at your nearest Boots, you can double-check if you’re eligible to get one free through the NHS HERE.
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Behind the doors of a former church that has been renovated into a beautiful home in North Yorkshire
Clementine Hall
Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, Fell View Chapel dates all the way back to 1846.
Ever wanted to live in an abandoned church? Well, now's your chance.
This former Methodist Church dates all the way back to 1846 and has all the original features to match.
If you can look past the possible ghosts that may be lurking, this one-of-a-kind property can be yours for just £450,000.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
Step through the original church door and you'll be met by a striking open-plan living space with a fully functioning log burner to keep you warm through the winter months, complete with a beautiful contemporary kitchen which has been renovated to the highest spec.
The floating first floor features a glass landing that overlooks the ground floor below, and of course there's stunning stained glass windows throughout the property.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
This architectural conversion has taken five years to complete and there's been no expense spared, the pulpit and pews have even been kept to really keep that churchy vibe.
Here's what the listing says: "Welcome to The Old Methodist Church, originally built in 1846 and beautifully transformed over the past five years into a truly exceptional home.
"This remarkable conversion seamlessly blends contemporary living with the building’s historic charm, creating a residence that is both striking and deeply characterful.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
"Every detail has been tastefully and skilfully executed, carefully preserving original features while introducing modern design and comfort. The stained glass windows, original pulpit and pews remain as stunning focal points — a real marvel and a tribute to the building’s heritage."