FLU SEASON: WHAT
PHARMACISTS NEED TO KNOW
The Scottish Government has confirmed the details of its seasonal flu vaccination programme for winter 2025– 26, with a continued focus protecting the most vulnerable and alleviating pressure on health and social care services during peak winter months.
F
ollowing the delivery of more than 1.29 million vaccines last year, the programme will retain the same eligibility criteria and
overall structure. Uptake among adults aged 65 and over, reached 74.1% in the 2024/25 season, just below the World Health Organization’s target of 75% and slightly down from 79.8% the previous year.
Childhood vaccination uptake remained steady or improved across most age groups, although there was a slight decrease among primary school pupils. The Scottish Government will continue to emphasise early vaccination uptake in younger age groups, recognising their key role in limiting community transmission.
Community pharmacies will continue to play a vital role in vaccine delivery, especially for adults in clinical risk groups and those aged 65 and over. Pharmacists, as trusted and accessible healthcare professionals, are uniquely positioned to support uptake through flexible appointments, public engagement and localised delivery efforts.
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This year’s eligible groups include: • All children aged six months to 18 years in clinical risk groups
• Pre-school, primary and secondary pupils • Adults aged 65 and over • Individuals in clinical risk groups • Pregnant women • Frontline and non-frontline health and social care workers
• Unpaid carers and household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
• People experiencing homelessness, substance misuse, or living in institutional settings such as prisons or asylum accommodation
The Scottish Government has urged health boards to make vaccines easily accessible, especially to hard-to-reach groups. Pregnant women will continue to be offered vaccinations via maternity services, while healthcare staff will have the option to use drop-in clinics or book appointments via the national portal. Uptake among health and social care workers dropped
significantly last season, prompting renewed efforts to improve communication and accessibility.
In line with Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance, adult flu vaccinations are expected to begin in October, with the majority of vaccinations delivered by the end of November. Pregnant women may receive their vaccine from early September. The childhood flu programme will start earlier, with a strong emphasis on vaccinating younger children in September and October which is seen as key to limiting community transmission.
Vaccines for both adults and children have been centrally procured, with supply and delivery logistics to be confirmed by Public Health Scotland. The target remains to complete the majority of vaccinations by early December, with at least 75% uptake.
Pharmacy teams are encouraged to begin planning now - reviewing staffing, logistics and patient communication. Public-facing materials, NHS Inform updates and multilingual resources will support the campaign.
COMMUNITY PHARMACIES WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN VACCINE DELIVERY
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