Asda Pharmacy supports NHS meningitis vaccination drive while offering extra protection for those not eligible
- Asda Pharmacy launches £5 Asda Rewards offer on private Meningitis B vaccinations
Asda Pharmacy is supporting a new NHS catch-up vaccination programme aimed at helping more young people protect themselves against meningitis before heading to university.
From this week, eligible patients in Year 13 or preparing to start their first year at university can book an NHS-funded Meningitis B vaccination appointment through the National Booking Service, with appointments available across Asda Pharmacy locations in England.
The catch-up programme aims to increase protection against meningococcal group B disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia.
Alongside the NHS service, Asda Pharmacy is also making protection more accessible for those who are not eligible for the national programme. Between 20 July and 31 August, customers who purchase a private Meningitis B vaccination at an Asda Pharmacy will receive £5 in their Asda Rewards Cashpot.
Asda Pharmacy already offers the most competitively priced private Meningitis B vaccination service in the UK, providing an affordable option for customers seeking protection outside NHS eligibility criteria.
*A full MenB vaccination course typically consists of two doses. Prices correct at time of publication.
Chief Executive of Meningitis Now Dr Tom Nutt said: "We warmly welcome Asda Pharmacy's support for the NHS MenB vaccination programme and its commitment to helping more young people protect themselves against this devastating disease."
"MenB remains the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK and teenagers and young adults are among those at greatest risk. Every eligible young person should take up this potentially life-saving NHS vaccination."
"We also recognise the value of making vaccination more accessible for those who are not eligible for the NHS programme, helping more people make informed choices about protecting themselves. At Meningitis Now, our No Plan B for MenB campaign has long called for better protection against MenB, and the availability of both the NHS programme and the private vaccine at a major supermarket pharmacy like Asda plays an important role in reducing the devastating impact that meningitis can have on individuals, families and communities."
Eligible customers can book an appointment through the NHS National Booking Service as part of the NHS MenB catch-up programme.
Customers wishing to receive the vaccination privately can speak to their local Asda Pharmacy or visit the Asda Pharmacy website for more information.