The Private COVID-19 Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a single-dose, pharmacist-administered immunisation using Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) mRNA vaccine, available at our Holborn (London) and Beeston (Nottingham) branches for individuals aged 12 and over who are not in a currently NHS-eligible group.
Key facts
| Vaccine | Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) — current-strain mRNA COVID-19 vaccine |
|---|---|
| Protects against | Symptomatic COVID-19, with strongest protection against severe disease and hospitalisation |
| Eligible ages | 12 years and over (subject to clinical assessment) |
| Course | Single dose per booking — most adults receive this as a booster |
| Minimum interval | At least 3 months since your last COVID-19 vaccine or confirmed infection |
| Service type | Private (not NHS) |
| Locations | Holborn London (WC1B 4ET) · Beeston Nottingham (NG9 1EJ) |
| Administered by | GPhC-registered pharmacist |
Who the private COVID vaccine is for
- Healthy adults aged 12 to 64 who are no longer offered routine COVID boosters on the NHS
- Adults travelling to destinations where current vaccination is preferred or required for entry
- Healthcare and care-home workers seeking a top-up outside an NHS campaign window
- People living with, or caring for, immunocompromised family members who want to reduce household transmission
- Anyone who wants additional protection ahead of winter or before high-exposure travel
Not suitable for: people who received any COVID-19 vaccine within the past 3 months; people with a confirmed severe allergic reaction to a previous COVID-19 vaccine or any component (including PEG); people acutely unwell with fever on the day. A full suitability check is carried out before the vaccine is administered.
How the service works
- Book your appointment online or by phone. The pharmacist confirms suitability at a short assessment before vaccination; payment is taken at the pharmacy.
- Call your chosen branch to book:
Holborn London: 020 8106 7084
Beeston Nottingham: 0115 925 5584 - At the appointment the pharmacist reviews your medical history, vaccination history and any recent COVID-19 infection.
- If suitable, receive the single intramuscular dose into the upper arm.
- A 15-minute observation period applies after the injection.
Frequently asked questions
Is the COVID vaccine still available on the NHS?
The NHS no longer routinely offers COVID-19 vaccination to all adults. Free NHS boosters are reserved for specific groups, typically adults 75 and over, residents in older-adult care homes, and people aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system, during seasonal campaigns. If you do not fall into a current NHS-eligible group but want a vaccination, this private route is for you.
Which COVID-19 vaccine do you use?
We use the current Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) mRNA vaccine, formulated to the most recently recommended strain composition for the UK programme. The Novavax (Nuvaxovid) protein-based vaccine is no longer available through this service.
How soon after my last dose or infection can I have another?
A minimum interval of 3 months is recommended since your most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose, and since the start of a confirmed COVID-19 infection. The pharmacist will confirm the exact timing at your appointment based on your records.
Can I have the COVID jab and the flu jab on the same day?
Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with the seasonal flu vaccine and with most other adult vaccines, in opposite arms. This is often a convenient way to get both winter vaccinations in one visit.
Is the vaccine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women in the UK programme, with extensive real-world data supporting their safety. The pharmacist will discuss timing and your individual risk factors at the appointment.
What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects are local: sore arm, redness or swelling at the injection site, and short-lived systemic effects such as tiredness, headache, muscle ache, chills or low-grade fever, usually within the first 1 to 2 days. Serious reactions, including myocarditis or pericarditis, are rare. Seek medical attention if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations after vaccination.
Safety
- Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
- Cold-chain storage maintained at all times
- Pre-vaccination clinical screening (allergy, recent illness, recent vaccination)
- 15-minute observation period after injection
- Suspected adverse reactions can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme
References
- NHS — COVID-19 vaccination
- UKHSA — COVID-19 vaccination programme
- Comirnaty — Patient Information Leaflet (emc)
* Subject to availability and clinical assessment. This is a private service and is not provided by the NHS. Suspected side effects can be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Vaccination appointments in Holborn and Beeston
Holborn, London: Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, WC1B 4ET. Holborn private vaccination services and fees · Book a Holborn pharmacy appointment · 020 8106 7084.
Beeston, Nottingham: Ways Pharmacy, 24 Chilwell Road, NG9 1EJ. Beeston private vaccination services · 0115 925 5584. Call to confirm availability and arrange your appointment.
Appointments and vaccination are subject to clinical assessment and availability. Check the service-specific start dates before travelling.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.