The NHS has confirmed a significant rule change for the flu vaccination programme, set to begin on 1 September 2026 for certain groups, under the new Labour government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The policy, originally announced under Sir Keir Starmer's administration, is now being implemented by Burnham, who succeeded Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister. The changes include a new age threshold and the expansion of eligibility to people experiencing homelessness, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Key Dates and Cohorts
The flu vaccination programme for the 2026-2027 season will commence on 1 September for children, pregnant women, and some adults, as soon as the vaccine becomes available. All other cohorts will begin receiving vaccinations from 1 October 2026. The NHS England letter to GP surgeries confirmed that the national flu immunisation programme had been “amended” to reflect these changes.
Specific groups affected by the amendments include two- and three-year-olds, school-aged children, and children in clinical risk groups. Community pharmacy service delivery for two- and three-year-olds will start on 1 October 2026, while pharmacy delivery for children in clinical risk groups (aged 2 to less than 18 years) will also begin on 1 October. For school-aged children who missed vaccination through School Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS) providers, community pharmacy delivery will start from 1 December 2026.
New Eligibility for Homeless Individuals
In a notable expansion, the JCVI advised in June 2024 that people experiencing homelessness—defined as "rough sleepers and those using homeless hostels or night-shelters, rather than the broader definitions of homelessness"—should be offered a seasonal flu vaccine. This was agreed in March 2026, and from 1 October 2026, all individuals in this cohort aged 16 years and over will be included in the national flu programme.
Government Leadership and Oversight
The changes come under the leadership of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office after winning the Labour leadership election. Burnham, the MP for Makerfield, has appointed Yvette Cooper as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, replacing Wes Streeting, who was moved to the Defence brief in Burnham's first Cabinet reshuffle on 20 July 2026. Cooper previously served as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. Her appointment signals a continued focus on public health priorities, including the flu vaccination programme.
The NHS emphasised that there will be a focused effort across NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and the Department for Education to ensure that school-aged children are protected. The letter to GPs was authorised by Dr Thomas Waite, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England; Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at the UK Health Security Agency; and Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England.
Impact and Implementation
The flu vaccination programme is critical each year to reduce the burden on the NHS during winter months. By starting earlier for vulnerable groups and including homeless individuals, the government aims to increase vaccination coverage and protect those most at risk. The JCVI's advice on homeless individuals reflects growing recognition of the health inequalities faced by this population. The NHS will work with community pharmacies and SAIS providers to deliver the vaccines according to the new schedule.
Prime Minister Burnham has also ruled out two rumoured tax changes for households in England, focusing instead on health and social care reforms. The flu jab changes are part of a broader strategy to strengthen public health under the new Labour government.
