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NHS England has published a new service specification covering the delivery of both seasonal vaccination services - Covid-19 and adult flu - from community pharmacies for the 2026/27 season, and fees have been increased for both vaccinations.

From 1 April 2026 the Covid-19 vaccination service will become an Advanced service. The new service specification will allow pharmacy owners to either offer Covid and adult influenza vaccinations together or just offer adult flu jabs.

Community Pharmacy England says this approach removes the need for Integrated Care Boards to separately procure a Covid-19 vaccination service and seeks to streamline the provision of Covid vaccinations in line with the Adult Flu Vaccination Service.

“The service specification retains the requirement for pharmacy owners to offer flu vaccines when providing Covid-19 vaccinations but maintains the flexibility for pharmacy owners just to provide an NHS Flu Vaccination Service,” says CPE.

NHS England has also confirmed an increase in the adult flu item-of-service fee for community pharmacies in 2026/27 from £9.58 to £10.06, bringing it in line with GPs. This follows pressure by CPE for an increase in service fees.

NHS England has also increased Covid-19 vaccination fees. Pharmacies will be able to claim £8.70 per vaccine administered between 1 September 2026 and 31 January 2027 while the flu vaccination campaign is underway, and £10.06 outside of these dates. There will no longer be a £10 payment for Covid vaccinations given to housebound people.

Registration for Spring 2026 Covid-19 vaccination campaign opens from 5 January, and pharmacy owners must register by 2 February 2026 to guarantee vaccine supplies in time for the start of the spring season. Further information on the changes to the service requirements and signing up to provide services can be found on the CPE website.

Eligibility for a Covid vaccination remains the same as in 2025. The government has accepted JCVI advice that vaccination in England in Spring 2026 will be offered to:

• adults aged 75 and over
• residents in care homes for older people
• individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

Under the new service specification there is no change to the requirement to use the National Booking System. Pharmacies that provide Covid-19 vaccinations must use the NBS and not a local booking system for appointments. “Pharmacy owners are strongly encouraged to use NBS for adult flu vaccinations and co-administered vaccinations,” says CPE.

Commenting on the new arrangements, CPE chief executive Janet Morrison said: “CPE is pleased that community pharmacies will now receive the same vaccination fees as GP practices after many years of calling for parity. The Committee has also secured concessions, such as keeping the National Booking System optional for flu vaccinations and allowing the use of local appointment systems.

“These changes should help planning for future vaccination seasons and provide a long-overdue fee increase for seasonal vaccinations starting in April 2026.”