Coronavirus in Scotland: Asda open to Scottish vaccine talks as they prepare to roll out jab in England

Asda has announced that they are happy to have conversations about vaccine distribution with the Scottish Government after they announced they are set to be the first supermarket to provide in-store covid-19 vaccinations in England.

Asda has announced that they are happy to have conversations about vaccine distribution with the Scottish Government (Picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire).

Starting from January 25, jabs in England will be administered by Asda pharmacy staff after the supermarket was selected by NHS England to open an in-store vaccination centre in Birmingham.

The Scottish Government has not yet introduced pharmacy vaccinations across the country, however, Asda has said they would be happy to work with the government in distributing the vaccine if and when they do.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman is set to give a ministerial statement on the vaccination plan at the Scottish parliament at 11am today.

A spokesperson for Asda said: “The health authorities in Scotland and Wales have not yet reached out to Primary care pharmacies to support their vaccination programme. “However, we would be happy to work with them if they need our support.’’

Speaking about their input in the English vaccination rollout, Roger Burnley, Asda president said: “We are incredibly proud to provide this service and are keen to do all we can to help the NHS and Government accelerate the rollout of the vaccination programme.

“We have an extensive nationwide logistics network that could support the storage and distribution of the vaccine and our highly-trained pharmacy colleagues are experienced in delivering large vaccination programmes, having recently provided nearly 200,000 flu jabs to members of the public.

"We are on hand to provide the NHS with any practical support required so that more people can quickly receive the vaccine.

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.

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