2023

The radio service that controls some older meters is due to be switched off in two years

moral duty too.” He added that some clients were desperate to get immunity to avoid putting elderly relatives in danger. “We were testing so much over Christmas so people could see family. One celebrity was having his whole family tested every day.”

Darragh O’Sullivan, of DOS & Co, a consultancy for the ultra-wealthy, said clients were not just interested in buying a vaccine in order to avoid the wait; some had no option. “One is British but based in Hong Kong. They fall outside the Hong Kong vaccination programme and are no longer registered with the NHS because they are not a UK resident. Otherwise they would be high on the NHS priority list. Their only option will be to go private,” he said.

A number of high- profile Britons have received the jab, including Sir Tom Jones, Sir Ian McKellen, Prue Leith and Lionel Blair.

The celebrities are all over the age of 80 and therefore in a priority group.

The vaccine roll-out will prioritise the elderly and vulnerable, leaving younger people waiting