Boots stocks HIV self-test kits in more than 800 pharmacies
More than 800 Boots branches are now stocking HIV self-test kits, in a move their manufacturer has hailed as a “turning point” in accessibility.
The Boots branches, spread across the UK and Republic of Ireland, began stocking the BioSure kits last Sunday (April 28).
Boots UK chief pharmacist Marc Donovan said the kits give Boots pharmacists the opportunity to have “complete care conversations with customers…to ensure they get much quicker access to appropriate advice [on] whether to seek support from their GP or signpost them to further resources”.
Customers can also buy the self-test kits online from the Boots website, where they currently retail for £33.95.
Last year, Superdrug made the tests available across its 200 pharmacies, while Lloydspharmacy sells them via its website.
BioSure developed the world’s first approved HIV self-test to use blood, and CEO Brigette Bard said the company is “really excited” that its product is now “available in stores and online in two of the biggest high street and pharmacy retailers”.
“We’re hoping it’s a turning point in encouraging more people to test for HIV.”
The move will help support the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDs to meet its 90-90-90 target by 2030, BioSure said.
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