What's Happening?
Starting October 1, 2025, community pharmacies in England will provide flu vaccinations to children aged two to three years as part of a new NHS England advanced service. This initiative, confirmed by Community Pharmacy England (CPE), involves the use of live attenuated influenza vaccine nasal sprays supplied from centrally procured NHS stock. The service aims to improve flu vaccine uptake among children who are too young to receive it at school and typically access it through GP surgeries. Pharmacy contractors will receive a fee per vaccination administered, and pharmacies can opt into the service by registering through the NHS Business Service Authority's portal.
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Why It's Important?
The expansion of flu vaccination services to include young children in community pharmacies is crucial for public health, as it increases accessibility and convenience for parents. By offering vaccinations in pharmacies, the initiative aims to boost vaccination rates and provide early protection against flu, potentially reducing the burden on GP surgeries and improving overall public health outcomes. This service also represents a vote of confidence in the role of community pharmacies in delivering NHS vaccines, particularly in underserved communities, and supports the prevention agenda by driving vaccine uptake.
What's Next?
Pharmacies interested in participating must register by August 31, 2025, to begin offering the service in October. The success of this trial will depend on the support provided to pharmacists to deliver vaccinations safely and effectively. If successful, the initiative could lead to further expansion of pharmacy-based vaccination services, enhancing the role of pharmacies in public health. Stakeholders, including pharmacy associations and public health organizations, will be monitoring the trial's outcomes to assess its impact on vaccination rates and public health.
