Asda praised for launching new service at 'fair price' in UK stores
Asda says they will be offering the service at the "lowest price in the market”
Asda stores have been praised for their launch of a new service which will be offered at a “fair price” in stores.
The supermarket announced this week that they would be launching a new meningitis vacation in all Asda Pharmacies.
Shoppers will be able to visit their local Asda Pharmacy where the store’s trained pharmacists will be able to administer both the ACWY Vaccine and the MenB vaccine.
While meningitis vaccinations are available at other pharmacies and retailers, Asda has claimed that they will be offering the jabs “for the lowest price in the market”.
Asda will offer a full course of the MenB vaccine for just under £180, while retailer’s Superdrug, Boots, Well Pharmacy and Day Lewis all offer the course at over £200.
The launch of these vaccinations is a part of Asda’s initiative to offer affordable protection against the serious disease.
Faisal Tuddy, Head of Pharmacy & Superintendent Pharmacist at Asda, said: "Cost should never be a barrier to essential healthcare.
"By offering meningitis vaccines for the lowest price in the market, we’re responding to Meningitis Now’s urgent call for greater affordability and accessibility - helping more people to stay protected.
“By taking this first step to make essential healthcare more accessible, we hope pharmacies and vaccine manufacturers can start to work together to bring the cost of this medication down even further."
The launch comes after Meningitis Now called manufacturers and pharmacies to lower vaccine costs in a bid to ensure more people - particularly students, young adults and those travelling abroad - can access the immunisation.
Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of Meningitis Now, said: “MenB is one of the most common causes of meningitis in the UK, so we welcome the news that this life-saving vaccine is going to be available from ASDA Pharmacy – and at a fair price.”
He added: “The impact of meningitis can be devastating. Every day we work with people who have lost their hearing, their limbs or even their loved ones to this cruel disease.
"We hope that by launching this MenB vaccination service, ASDA Pharmacy will help more people protect their loved ones and ultimately save lives.”
As part of the initiative, Asda stores will also look to improve awareness of the disease by providing shoppers with leaflets, posters and links directing towards Meningitis Now.
Vaccinations are available by appointment and customers should book online or visit their local Asda Pharmacy for more information.