The NHS has announced updates to England’s 2026/27 flu vaccination programme, with community pharmacies set to vaccinate young children against flu for the first time. From October 1, 2026, eligible children aged two and three will be able to receive their flu vaccine at participating pharmacies across England.
The new pharmacy service will run alongside the existing offer through GP practices, which are due to begin giving flu vaccinations from September 1, or earlier if vaccine supplies are available. Under the expanded programme, children aged two to under 18 who are in clinical risk groups will also be able to get vaccinated at community pharmacies from October 1.
These children will still be able to receive their flu vaccine through school-aged immunisation services and GP surgeries from September. NHS officials said the changes are intended to give families more convenient options and support higher vaccine uptake before winter pressures build.
In a joint statement, Dr Thomas Waite, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at the UK Health Security Agency, and Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, said the adult flu vaccination programme for 2026/27 will continue to start on October 1, in line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
They said the timing reflects evidence that protection from the flu vaccine can reduce over time in adults, making it preferable to vaccinate people closer to the period when influenza is expected to be circulating.
Because flu activity usually reaches its highest levels in December or January, officials said an October start helps ensure people have the strongest protection during the most dangerous part of the season, including in years when flu arrives early, as it did in 2025/26.
The NHS confirmed that the adult rollout will remain unchanged, with eligible adults continuing to be offered their flu jab from October 1. Health leaders said this schedule is designed to provide the best protection during the months when flu is most likely to spread.
Officials added that flu vaccine uptake remains strong among people aged 65 and over and among care home residents. However, they stressed that keeping vaccination rates high is vital to reducing serious illness, cutting hospital admissions and easing pressure on NHS services during winter.
To encourage take-up, people aged 65 and over will begin receiving national digital invitations from late September alongside a nationwide public information campaign.
Regional NHS commissioners have also been instructed to ensure all residents in long-stay care homes have been offered a flu vaccine by November 30.
