Updated Private COVID-19 Vaccine formulation to protect you.
The Evolution of COVID-19 Protection and the Arrival of Pfizer’s Comirnaty® XFG
Since we began administering COVID-19 vaccinations in May 2021—just six months after the national UK rollout began—our team across our pharmacies has remained dedicated to safeguarding our local communities against severe respiratory illness. We since launched our Private COVID-19 Vaccination service in Morpeth and Ashington in November 2025, to support those who would like additional protection but are not eligible through the NHS campaign.
As winter approaches, viral protection remains as important as ever. However, the virus we face today is very different from the one encountered in 2021. Here is a look back at how COVID-19 vaccines have evolved, why the latest strain-adapted formulation matters, and how you can stay protected this season.
Why Strain Updates Matter: The Shift to XFG
Like seasonal influenza, SARS-CoV-2 continually mutates, creating new sublineages that can escape older immunity. Early vaccines targeted the original Wuhan strain, followed over the years by updated boosters aimed at Omicron sublineages like XBB.1.5 and KP.2.
For the 2026–2027 autumn/winter season, global health authorities and vaccine manufacturers updated the formulation to target XFG (a sublineage of JN.1).
The new Pfizer/BioNTech Comirnaty® XFG vaccine contains mRNA encoding for the specific spike protein mutations found in XFG and its closely related variant families.
- Enhanced Neutralisation: Clinical data demonstrates that the XFG-adapted formula generates a robust neutralising antibody response against today’s dominant circulating subvariants—offering stronger protection than older formulations.
- Targeted Defence: By aligning the vaccine with current real-world strains, it helps prevent symptomatic infection, severe complications, and hospitalisation during the peak winter months.
Who benefits from private vaccination?
While the NHS provides targeted seasonal boosters for specific groups (such as adults aged 75+ and those who are immunocompromised), many individuals outside these categories still seek high-level protection ahead of winter. A private COVID-19 vaccination is ideal if you:
- Are not eligible for a free NHS booster but want peace of mind.
- Wish to protect vulnerable, elderly, or immunocompromised family members.
- Work in key public-facing roles or close-knit work environments.
- Have upcoming travel, weddings, or family events planned and cannot afford to be ill.
Note: Private COVID-19 vaccinations are available for anyone aged 12 and over, provided it has been at least 3 months since your last COVID jab.
Book your vaccination today.
Protecting yourself and your family takes only a few minutes. We are proud to offer private appointments for the Comirnaty® XFG vaccine at both Wellway Pharmacy Morpeth and Ashington Pharmacy.
- Private COVID Vaccination (Comirnaty® XFG): £85.00
- Dual Protection Package (COVID & Flu Jabs): £100.00 (Save time by receiving both essential winter jabs in a single 5–10 minute appointment)
Appointments take less than 10 minutes with our experienced clinical team in a private consultation room.