The NHS has announced significant changes to the national flu immunisation programme for the 2026-2027 season, introducing community pharmacy flu vaccinations for children to increase accessibility and coverage.
From October 1, 2026, community pharmacies will start offering flu vaccines to children aged 2 and 3 years, complementing the existing vaccination services provided by GPs, which begin on September 1, 2026, or as soon as the vaccine becomes available. This expansion also includes children aged 2 to under 18 years who fall into clinical risk groups, with pharmacy vaccinations supplementing school-aged immunisation services (SAIS) and general practice efforts starting concurrently.
Dr. Thomas Waite, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, alongside Dr. Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, and Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, explained that the adult flu vaccination programme will continue to begin on October 1. This timing is based on evidence indicating that vaccine effectiveness wanes over time, so vaccinating closer to the flu season peak—typically December or January—offers optimal protection.
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The NHS highlights that flu vaccine uptake among those aged 65 and older, as well as care home residents, remains strong and is crucial in preventing severe illness, hospital admissions, and easing winter pressures on the healthcare system.
To support vaccine coverage, the NHS will also send national, digital-first invitations to people aged 65 and over starting in late September, complemented by a robust multi-channel marketing campaign. Regional commissioners are tasked with ensuring all long-stay residential care home residents are offered vaccinations by November 30. Additionally, NHS trusts must implement plans to vaccinate eligible long-stay inpatients and patients being discharged into care homes.
These coordinated efforts aim to enhance protection against flu across vulnerable populations, reduce hospital strain, and improve overall public health during the 2026-2027 flu season.