Seasonal Flu Vaccination: Operational Letter Published for 2026/27

NHS England has released an operational letter outlining its plans for the seasonal flu vaccination programme. The update sets out NHS England’s initial three‑year ambitions for improving vaccination uptake across all eligible population groups.

The letter also confirms that the National Booking Service (NBS) will open earlier than in previous years — from 17 August 2026 — following feedback from pharmacy owners and a request from Community Pharmacy England. The NBS will remain open until 31 March 2027.

Alongside this, NHS England has published the 2026/27 service specification for the community pharmacy Childhood Flu Vaccination Service, which has been agreed with Community Pharmacy England. This follows the announcement in June of the expansion of the Childhood Flu Vaccination Service to additional cohorts and an agreed increase in the fee for provision of the service.

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