Expanding Vaccine Uptake through Community Pharmacies

Strategic Insights -

In a written answer to Ashley Dalton of the Labour Party for West Lancashire Commons, the UK Parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing vaccine uptake and improving access, particularly through innovative delivery models outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan for England. Community pharmacies are being utilized to deliver vaccinations, with existing roles in seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations being expanded to other programs. The NHS England has commissioned selected pharmacies to administer RSV vaccination programs for pregnant women and adults aged 75-79 years old, and this is being further expanded to support maternal pertussis vaccination programs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Parliament is committed to increasing vaccine uptake and improving access through innovative delivery models outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan for England.
  • Community pharmacies play a key role in delivering seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to adults and are being explored for expansion to other vaccination programs.
  • NHS England has commissioned selected community pharmacies in the East of England to deliver year-round RSV vaccination programs for pregnant women and adults aged 75-79 years old.
  • The RSV vaccination program is being expanded to support the maternal pertussis vaccination program and is now available in selected pharmacies in other regions.
  • The 10-Year Health Plan aims to expand the role of community pharmacy in prevention through the delivery of more National Health Service vaccination services.
  • The plan includes increasing the uptake of human papillomavirus vaccinations among younger adults who have left school, making it available in pharmacies to support the aim to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.

Statistics:

  • 75-79 years old: The age range targeted for RSV vaccination by NHS England in the East of England.
  • 2024: The year in which NHS England commissioned selected community pharmacies in the East of England to help deliver year-round RSV vaccination programs.
  • 2040: The target year for eliminate cervical cancer, with a focus on increasing human papillomavirus vaccinations among younger adults.

Sources:

  • Written answer to Ashley Dalton Labour West Lancashire Commons on 28 July 2025.
  • 10-Year Health Plan for England (no publication date specified)