NHS expands toddler flu vaccination to pharmacies in England

Thousands of pharmacies in England will offer free NHS flu spray doses to toddlers for the first time this year. The nasal spray vaccine is already used in some GP settings for older children, and the new rollout expands access to two- and three-year-olds across communities. About 4,000 pharmacies have signed up to deliver the vaccine to about 1.2 million eligible toddlers starting October 1, with both walk-in and booked appointments available as part of the NHS drive to lift uptake ahead of winter.

The plan centers on pharmacy-based administration of the nasal spray for toddlers, complementing existing NHS routes. It forms part of a broader push to raise vaccination rates across age groups as flu returns in colder months. NHS England data show that last winter there were more than 300,000 hospital bed days caused by flu, nearly double the figure from the prior season.

Health Minister Ashley Dalton said the government cannot afford another winter like last year and highlighted the need to protect children and reduce hospital pressure. The expansion of pharmacy-based vaccination aims to reduce hospital admissions by preventing illness and limiting transmission within households and communities.

Beyond toddlers, the NHS flu vaccine is available on the NHS for several groups, including people aged 65 and over, those under 65 in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of the immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, and pregnant women and children.

The shift to pharmacy delivery is part of a wider NHS vaccination program to improve uptake. In areas with lower uptake, vaccines will be delivered in nurseries and mobile vaccination buses will be used to reach vulnerable populations of all ages.

Duncan Burton, the chief nursing officer for England, said the arrangement makes it easier for busy families to protect their children by allowing them to visit a local high street or supermarket pharmacy.

Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, called the move excellent news. He said pharmacies are quick and convenient and that the government should use these channels for more NHS vaccination campaigns to maximise uptake and prevent more serious illness.

Representing more than 6,000 independent community pharmacies, the National Pharmacy Association noted the role of pharmacy partners in public health and welcomed efforts to expand access to vaccines.

Officials emphasize the plan will be piloted in areas with historically lower uptake and will include nurseries and mobile buses to help reach vulnerable populations of all ages as winter approaches.