A new NHS Advanced Service for flu vaccination in children aged 2–3 years will run 1 Oct 2025 – 31 Mar 2026. Please review the full service specification before committing.
Eligible Cohort:
Children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 Aug 2025 (born 1 Sep 2021 – 31 Aug 2023), including clinically at-risk children in this age group, unless contraindicated.
Key
Dates:
- By 31 Aug 2025 (23:59) – Register on MYS to guarantee vaccine delivery for service start.
- 1 Oct 2025 – Service commencement date. Must list at least 20 NBS appointments in Oct,
and 10+ per monththereafter.
- By 30 Nov 2025 (23:59) – Final date to register for 2025/26 (no guarantee of vaccine in time for start).
- Oct 2025 – Jan 2026 – Must administer minimum 10 vaccines (pro-rata if later
sign-up) to avoid suspension of supply.
Pre-Start Requirements:
- Must already provide at least one NHS vaccination service and one service involving assessment/treatment of children (e.g. NHS Pharmacy First).
- Staff trained and competent to vaccinate 2–3-year-olds with LAIV and IIV (where LAIV unsuitable) — see National Minimum Standards, LAIV e-learning, and UKHSA competency tools.
- Register with Federated Data Platform (FDP) for
ordering.
- SOP in place covering cold chain, escalation, records, and training.
- Enhanced DBS checks for vaccinators.
Service Delivery Essentials:
- LAIV first-line vaccine (centrally supplied via FDP).
- TIVc second-line if LAIV contraindicated or declined.
- Accurate real-time data entry via NHS-assured Point of Care system.
- Adhere to NBS booking requirements, waste limits (<30%), and Green Book guidance.
- Keep records for 3 years.
Other Useful Info:
Plan of Action:
- Confirm eligibility to provide service.
- Complete/refresh training for 2–3-year-old vaccination.
- Register with FDP.
- Register on MYS by 31 Aug 2025 (or 30 Nov latest).
- Publish Oct
appointments on NBS.
- Finalise SOP, cold chain, safeguarding, and record-keeping.
- Monitor usage/wastage; meet minimum numbers.
Regards,
PharmaPlus
