A vaccine manufacturer is giving NHS England (NHSE) additional flu vaccines following “urgent discussions” around another manufacturer’s supplies.
CSL Seqirus is providing the cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus and the adjuvanted Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus vaccines for the 2026-27 flu season.
It told C+D it has “already provided additional vaccine supply to help address some of the shortfall” as it was aware of the “disruption affecting some influenza vaccines”.
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The vaccine manufacturer said it is “working with NHS England to support providers” and “remains focused on supporting the programme wherever possible”.
NHSE said there is a supply issue with Sanofi’s Supemtek TIVr flu vaccine but it is one of several flu vaccines used for the 2026-27 flu season and stressed “there is sufficient flu vaccine stock available for this year’s vaccine delivery”.
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“We have tried and tested plans in place to manage any supply issues, with alternative suppliers sourced to provide the vaccines needed, and people should continue to come forward as normal,” it told C+D.
Community Pharmacy England held “urgent discussions” with NHSE following reports of supply issues and said pharmacies with affected orders “have been contacted by both manufacturers to support ordering of alternative supplies”.
Sanofi has been approached for comment.
Impact “unclear”
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) said it was concerned about the “unexpected changes to the supply of flu vaccine to pharmacies” and it was “frustrating” for pharmacies planning for flu season vaccinations, with its members raising concerns.
The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA) policy head Dr Nick Thayer said it was “aware of challenges” with Sanofi but the impact on the upcoming flu season is “unclear”.
“There are plans to manage issues like this and we are confident there will be sufficient stock for the NHS vaccination programme,” he said.
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The Independent Pharmacy Contractors Network (IPCN) told C+D it had heard from community pharmacies who had been affected and have had their vaccination planning disrupted as they look for alternative supplies.
IPCN board member Waqas Ahmad said it has been in contact with other vaccine manufacturers and “based on the assurances we have received, we are confident that independent pharmacies will have sufficient vaccine supplies to meet demand”.
It comes after NHS chief executive James Mackey said community pharmacists will provide flu vaccinations to at-risk children and those who miss them at school.
