Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 4 March 2025
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will expand the influenza vaccine eligibility to help reduce the winter pressures on the NHS in winter 2025-26.
The Scottish Government continues to be guided by the expert clinical advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The JCVI has the responsibility to provide high-quality and considered advice and recommendations to the UK Health Ministers following thorough risk and benefit analysis. They consider vaccine safety, efficacy and look at the impact and cost effectiveness of immunisation strategies.
Upon following this advice, the Scottish Government does not expect the eligibility criteria to differ in winter 2025-26 from winter 2024-25. Should the JCVI eligibility criteria for the flu vaccine change in the near future, we stand ready to implement those changes.
We will continue to work with Public Health Scotland and NHS Boards to ensure that those who are eligible are able to easily access a flu vaccination.
Additionally, the Scottish Government will hold sessions with key stakeholders to look at how we can support improved vaccination uptake among eligible groups in winter 2025-26.