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Asda Pharmacy is offering £5 rewards for patients who access its private meningitis B vaccines, with the supermarket chain saying it hopes to reach members of the public who are not eligible for the NHS-commissioned service.

The company’s announcement earlier today (July 20) coincided with the launch of an NHS-commissioned service targeting Year 13 pupils and under-25s preparing to start their first year on a university course.

From today until August 31, Asda Rewards Cashpot members who pay privately for a MenB vaccine will receive £5 in reward points. 

At £179.76 for two doses, Asda claims its private meningitis immunisation service is the cheapest in the UK and £40 less expensive than other high street pharmacy multiples. Earlier this year, the company was charging the cost price of £150 for both doses of the vaccine.

Tom Nutt, chief executive of charity Meningitis Now, commented: "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."

Related: Asda pharmacies offer £2 ‘bonus’ to customers who seek insect bite advice