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The flu vaccination service fee will remain stuck at £9.58 for the 2025-26 immunisation drive after the Government ignored Community Pharmacy England's request to have it reassessed for the first time in more than six years.

CPE announced this morning (August 29) that its "evidence-based case" for a fee increase had been unsuccessful after ministers told the negotiator that NHS England's budget for vaccine services did not allow for it.

The unchanged £9.58 fee - five per cent lower than the £10.06 fee GPs are paid - was imposed on CPE, which said it "could not agree" to the "unacceptable decision".

"This very disappointing decision means the fee remains the same as that paid in the previous six seasons," said CPE.

The negotiator said contractors are battling cost inflation of over 22 per cent even before factors like higher minimum wage and national insurance contributions are considered.

Pharmacies will be able to vaccinate pregnant women from September 1 once the service launches. Vaccination of the other adult cohorts will commence from October 1.

An advanced flu vaccination service for children aged 2 and 3 will also launch for the first time in October.