Published: 10/07/25
The Scottish Government has issued updated guidance for the 2025/26 Seasonal Influenza Immunisation Programme. The letter confirms eligibility for both adult and child cohorts, outlines key objectives, and provides important information on timings, vaccine supply, and delivery expectations.
The programme continues to prioritise those most at risk of severe illness and aims to improve uptake across all eligible groups, particularly where it has been historically lower. Health Boards and delivery partners are encouraged to begin preparations, with further operational guidance to follow from Public Health Scotland.
Cases of flu are rising at a higher rate than in previous years, with hospitals across Scotland reporting increasing numbers of patients with symptoms of flu.
Scottish Government confirms 2025/26 flu vaccine eligibility, key dates, and delivery plans. Health Boards urged to begin preparations.
This week The Scotsman newspaper revealed that Scotland is on course for the highest number of annual flu deaths in almost half a century after more than than 350,000 fewer vaccines were given this winter.
A new letter has been jointly issued by Professor Sir Gregor Smith (Chief Medical Officer for Scotland), Professor Alison Strath (Chief Pharmaceutical Officer), and Anne Armstrong (Interim Chief Nursing Officer), underscores the importance of continued collaboration across health and social care.
Our Policy and PR Pharmacist spoke to Fiona Stalker on BBC Drivetime about the demands being seen on private flu vaccination services in community pharmacy due to the 2024 changes in NHS flu vaccination eligibility criteria, and why it is still important to get your flu vaccination for this year.
On Tuesday, 7 January, our Policy and PR Pharmacist, Sarah Scott, was interviewed for a BBC Reporting Scotland broadcast about the winter pressures faced by community pharmacies across Scotland. She also commented on the impact of rising flu cases and the availability of flu vaccines.
Adam Osprey, our Head of Policy and Development, has been filming with STV in Broughton Pharmacy in response to reports that pharmacies were running short of ‘flu vaccines for their private services in some areas. You can watch the full interview below:

Guidance on the 2026/27 winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme, including eligibility, timings, vaccine products and delivery arrangements.