What's Happening?
NHS England has announced that starting April 1, 2026, the COVID-19 vaccination service provided by community pharmacies will be classified as an advanced service. This change aligns the COVID-19 vaccination service with the existing flu vaccination services,
eliminating the need for integrated care boards to procure these services separately. The service fees for COVID-19 vaccinations will increase for the 2026/2027 period, with fees rising from £7.54 to £8.70 during the flu vaccination campaign season and to £10.06 outside of it. Similarly, the adult flu vaccination service fee will increase to £10.06, matching the fees received by GP practices. Pharmacy owners must register to provide both COVID-19 and flu vaccination services by February 2, 2026, to participate in the spring campaign starting April 13, 2026.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it addresses long-standing calls for fee parity between community pharmacies and GP practices, potentially increasing the capacity for pharmacies to deliver vaccinations. By integrating COVID-19 vaccinations into the advanced service category, NHS England aims to streamline the process and enhance accessibility. The fee increase is expected to incentivize pharmacies to participate more actively in vaccination campaigns, which is crucial given the ongoing public health challenges posed by seasonal flu and COVID-19. This move could lead to higher vaccination rates, thereby improving public health outcomes.
What's Next?
Pharmacy owners will need to ensure they are registered to provide the combined vaccination services by the specified deadline. The increased fees may encourage more pharmacies to participate, potentially leading to a broader distribution network for vaccinations. Stakeholders, including pharmacy associations, are likely to monitor the implementation closely to assess the impact on vaccination rates and public health. The alignment of service fees with GP practices may also prompt further discussions on the role of pharmacies in public health initiatives.
