UK companies get injection from first private Covid vaccine clinic

By Chris Wheal

April 11, 2024

Doctorcall CEO Selvavinayagam Vireswer and nurse Jackie Price at the first private corporate Covid vaccine clinic

De-restricting the exclusive provide of Covid 19 vaccines by the NHS in the UK has led to the UK’s first mobile corporate Covid vaccination service. The first 10 staff were vaccinated using the Pfizer vaccine. 

The service was launched by Doctorcall, better known as an independent provider of private flu vaccination campaigns. It estimates that 20% of its flu vaccination clients will take up Covid vaccines this year.

Doctorcall medical director, Dr Charles Levinson, said: “As with flu, private Covid vaccinations offer a range of benefits for both the employees and businesses involved, reducing illness, and therefore unplanned absenteeism.”

Ending NHS exclusivity

Previously, Covid vaccinations were exclusively accessible through the NHS. But a tightening of NHS eligibility criteria resulted in fewer employees of working age qualifying for the vaccine or booster.

Doctorcall provides the staff and equipment and offers a follow-up GP appointment for people concerned about potential side-effects. It says the vaccine used will depend on individual choice and availability. It will only administer authorised vaccines. 

Levinson said: “For many clients, our Covid programme will be a natural extension of existing services.”

Jabs for all

Doctorcall says its vaccination programme is subject to the usual medical exclusions, but that most individuals, even with existing health conditions, can have the jab. There may be changes based on vaccine availability, regulatory approvals and public health guidelines.

“Covid, like flu, will continue to cause unwanted disruption and illness in organisations of all shapes and sizes. A relatively modest investment through a spring vaccination programme should provide good value by reducing unplanned absence, improving staff wellbeing and improving morale,” Levinson said.

“We are seeing a considerable proportion of businesses already making this calculation."

Will Covid be a big issue this year? Tell us your views.