An overview of the UK Private Vaccine Market

In the UK, people usually get their vaccinations done through the NHS, particularly new-borns/young children. However, not all vaccines are available and not all people are eligible for vaccines on the NHS. Now that there is more  awareness of the importance of vaccines, the private market has started to see growth with people looking to pay through private means for their vaccines. 

So how exactly is the private vaccine market changing in the UK and why is it an area that is starting to see growth? 

How is the UK private vaccine market evolving?

Unlike other countries, such as the United States, the UK private vaccine market is relatively small, as people are used to getting their vaccinations funded through the NHS. However, the market has seen significant growth in recent years, with a rise in demand for vaccines, such as the HPV, Meningitis B and Chickenpox vaccine. 

In fact, in the last 3 months, our research shows 8.5% of the total UK population have had some kind of vaccination privately (covering all disease areas). With an additional 8.5% (5.7M) of the total UK population considering private vaccines in the next 3 months.

Source: Rare Consulting. UK 18+ Data collected 2nd - 17th March (N=2,415). Data owned exclusively by Rare: Group. Q29 - How do you intend on funding your vaccinations in the next 3 months? Base: Next 3 months: All diseases: decision makers who intend on being vaccinated and pay by private means (N=205).

The UK private vaccine market has also seen changes in the types of vaccines being offered. In recent years, there has been a rise in demand for travel vaccines, with more people travelling abroad for business and leisure. Private healthcare providers are now offering a wide range of travel vaccines, including Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A and B. 

Why are people seeking private vaccines outside of the NHS?

With the current strain on the NHS and record-breaking waiting times, people are likely to start to look to private healthcare providers for their vaccinations, especially as these offer same-day appointments - which is particularly appealing for those who are travelling abroad. 

Perhaps another reason why people seek vaccinations outside of the NHS is because the private market offers a wider range of vaccines than those currently offered by the NHS. For example, the Meningitis B vaccine is currently only available on the NHS for babies and young children, whereas private healthcare providers offer this vaccine to all age groups. 

The accessibility, speed and option to choose the required vaccines means that people are able to fit the vaccinations in around their busy lifestyle - particularly if they are able to pop to their local pharmacy or clinic.

What type of places offer private vaccinations?

There are a number of places where people can go to have their vaccinations outside of the NHS, these include pharmacies, retail pharmacies (e.g. Boots, Asda), Private GP practices or hospital,  private clinics, wellness centres and travel centres.  

Pharmacies currently make up a large proportion of the private vaccine market, with more than half of people visiting their local pharmacy, closely followed by private GPs. There is ample opportunity for clinics to grow in this area, as only 7% mention private vaccines as part of their service offering.

Final Thoughts

The UK private vaccine market is a growing industry that offers people who want to get vaccinated quickly or who require a wider range of vaccines than those currently offered by the NHS. 

With 5.7 million people looking to get vaccinated through private means in the next 3 months, we predict this market to continue to grow significantly across all disease types, but in particular those seeking vaccinations for travel, flu or HPV. 

Find out more about our data and insights services by emailing us at hello@rare.consulting or calling us on 020 7859 4627.