Flu vaccination programme 2026/27 letter
The 2026/27 flu letter sets out three-year and annual uptake ambitions for the programme.
Category Vaccinations & screening
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RSV vaccination extended to 65–74s at risk from 1 September
From 1 September 2026, older adult RSV vaccination also covers adults aged 65–74 with chronic respiratory disease or immunosuppression.
Children’s flu 2026/27: GP service specification published
The GP enhanced service covers children aged 2–3 and those aged 6 months to 17 years in clinical risk groups from 1 September 2026.
Vaccination quality improvement forum: slides and recording
Slides and the recording from the latest immunisation QI forum.
Latest developments in vaccines and immunisation procedures
UKHSA's regularly updated summary of vaccine and immunisation policy changes for practitioners.
ThinPrep cervical samples: do not refrigerate
Despite social media suggestions during hot weather, ThinPrep vials must not be stored in the fridge.
MMR/V catch-up campaign 2026/27: a GP contract requirement
The 2026/27 national catch-up campaign, which practices must take part in under the GP contract, focuses on MMR/V following measles outbreaks.
Childhood vaccine schedule change: early uptake data
Early data shows good uptake of MMRV and earlier MenB protection for babies, but a persistent gap in measles coverage across England.
NHS travel vaccinations: what practices must offer free
Practices must offer polio (as dT/IPV), typhoid, hepatitis A and cholera free as part of the core contract. The CQC reiterates this.
COVID-19 autumn/winter 2026 programme: 1 October – 31 January
The autumn/winter COVID-19 programme runs alongside flu from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027, with the same eligible cohorts as last year, including adults 75+ and care home residents.