Update 12 August 2026: We are aware that practices have been contacted regarding cancellation of orders of the Supemtek vaccine from Sanofi due to a batch failure. Practices have been advised to order alternative vaccine stock from CSL Seqirus who have confirmed they currently have sufficient supplies. The national team are in discussion with providers and will keep practices updated.
The national flu immunisation programme 2026-2027 letter was published on the 26 February 2026, NHS England published an amendment to the letter on the 9 June 2026 and details of the childhood enhanced service were published on 2 July..
A summary of the changes in the amendment are as follows:
- Community pharmacy will be able to offer children flu vaccinations during the 2026 to 2027 season (2-3 year olds, children in clinical risk groups and for school aged children who missed the opportunity to be vaccinated by SAIS providers).
- Those aged 16 and over who are experiencing homelessness will be eligible for the flu vaccine from the 1st of October 2026 and have been added to the clinical at risk groups.
Patient Group Direction (PGD) and Vaccine Group Direction (VGD) for Influenza vaccine for 2026/27
UKHSA has published a PGD and VGD template for administering inactivated influenza vaccine or live attenuated influenza vaccine in line with the national seasonal flu vaccination programme for the 26/27 season, valid from 1st September 2026 to 31st March 2027.
VGDs, introduced in April 2026, represent a permanent legal framework designed to introduce flexibility in using a wider group of healthcare staff in delivering national vaccine campaigns, currently Covid-19 and influenza. VGDs permit the delegation of certain tasks, specifically the preparation and administration of vaccines, to appropriately trained and supervised staff without the need for a prescriber’s direct involvement. However, registered healthcare practitioners retain responsibility for clinical assessment and obtaining informed consent. Providers are recommended to use the Influenza Vaccine Group Direction (VGD) to delegate administration of LAIV to unregistered staff, such as healthcare support workers as the supply only element has been removed from the LAIV PGD.
Administration by healthcare support workers (HCSWs)
Following queries in relation to consent for vaccinations during the previous flu season, the UKHSA produced this advice to clarify the circumstances in which HCSWs may administer flu jabs.
In summary, it is the responsibility of registered healthcare professionals (HCP) as prescribers to obtain consent for vaccination. If the patient is not receiving the vaccine for the first time, HCSWs may administer flu vaccinations which have previously been consented to by a registered HCP under a PSD or VGD if the following apply:
- Consent has been previously obtained by a registered HCP e.g. by a nurse under a PGD or a prescriber under a PSD and the vaccine is of the same formulation that is unchanged except for the seasonally updated antigens and the patient confirms this is still valid
- There are no relevant changes to the patient’s medical history or circumstances
- The HCSW undertakes basic checks to confirm that it is safe to administer the vaccine e.g. the patient is not febrile and no other contraindications apply since the original assessment to ensure patient safety
- They must seek support from a registered HCP if:
- The patient has concerns
- The patient wishes to discuss risks/ benefits further
- The patient requires in depth assessment for contraindications e.g. immunosuppression or allergy, the most notable point is this:
If the patient is receiving the vaccination for the first time, a registered HCP will need to undertake a clinical assessment and obtain and record consent appropriately. This can be done through a number of mechanisms including direct discussion or communication e.g. Accurx, email or letter. The patient should be provided with relevant information on the risks and benefits of vaccination for example through the NHS website.
Influenza vaccines for the 2026/27 season
Information on all influenza vaccines that will be marketed in the UK for the 2026/27 season is available here.
Our Londonwide LMCs Buying Group partner Hillcroft Surgery Supplies is running a promotion on vaccine fridges and other storage products until 30 September 2026, with up to 41% off certain lines. Upgrade to improve energy efficiency and take away any worries about meeting CQC required temperatures. You can access this deal and other discounts exclusive to practices in the Londonwide LMCs’ area via their dedicated page.