Will GP funding cuts disrupt flu jabs? Pharmacies say they’re ready to step in, but warn uptake could fall without urgent NHS reform.
Community pharmacies across England say they are ready to expand flu vaccination services after reports that some GP practices may stop offering the jabs, citing rising costs and stagnant NHS payments. (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
‘Pharmacies ready’ as GPs threaten to stop providing flu jabs
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BMA Letter Warns Flu Jabs No Longer Financially Viable for Many GP Practices
A leaked letter from the British Medical Association (BMA) to England’s chief medical officer warned that delivering flu vaccinations is becoming “no longer financially viable” for many surgeries.
Funding for the service has remained largely unchanged since 2018–19, despite increasing staffing and operational costs, leading some practices to consider not ordering vaccine stock for the next season.
GP leaders said the real-terms value of payments has fallen significantly behind inflation, forcing practices to make difficult decisions about which services they can continue to provide. Orders for flu vaccines must be placed months in advance, meaning any withdrawal could affect next winter’s rollout.
Pharmacy organizations say they can take on a larger role if GP participation drops, pointing to their experience delivering millions of NHS flu vaccinations since joining the national programme in 2015. More than 4 million adult flu jabs were administered by pharmacies during the 2024–25 season, with demand continuing to grow.
Pharmacies Highlight Access Advantage but Call for Funding to Support Expansion
Pharmacy leaders argue their high-street locations and extended opening hours make them well placed to improve access, particularly in deprived areas and among patients who struggle to secure GP appointments. However, they also warned that additional funding would be needed to support any major expansion.
Health groups have stressed that maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential, especially as flu continues to place pressure on NHS services each winter. The BMA itself said safeguarding uptake should be a priority for both the government and NHS, warning that reduced GP involvement could risk lower immunization rates if alternative provision is not properly funded.
While some GP practices are contractually required to deliver certain immunization services, others have indicated they may scale back non-contractual flu clinics unless payments increase.
Flu Jab Payments Lag Behind Inflation, Prompting Calls for Urgent Funding Review
Currently, GP surgeries receive just over £10 per flu jab — a fee that has not kept pace with inflation, according to the BMA, which is calling for a significant uplift. Pharmacy providers receive a similar payment level and say the entire programme requires urgent financial review to remain sustainable.
NHS officials have said funding is kept under review, but the dispute highlights growing pressure on primary care budgets and the need to ensure patients can access vaccinations through multiple routes.
With vaccine orders due soon, the coming months will be critical in determining whether GP participation falls and whether pharmacies will need to absorb a larger share of the programme. Health leaders warn that any disruption could affect public confidence and uptake unless clear plans are put in place.
For now, pharmacy groups say they stand ready to protect access to flu jabs — but insist the long-running funding dispute must be resolved to safeguard future vaccination campaigns.
References:
- ‘Pharmacies ready’ as GPs threaten to stop providing flu jabs – (http://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/pharmacies-ready-as-gps-threaten-to-stop-providing-flu-jabs)
Source-Medindia