C-19 vac: Spring programme VGD published
NHS England has authorised and published a vaccine group direction (VGD) for use in the Spring 2026 COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
VGDs are a new legal route which can be used to authorise administration of vaccines. They operate in a similar way to a PGD, with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians operating as the clinician, but with the opportunity for some tasks within the process (preparation, administration and record-keeping) to be delegated to other suitably trained staff.
VGDs have been introduced into legislation in April 2026. They build on the experience gained from the use of National Protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the administration of COVID-19 and adult flu vaccines.
Download the Spring 2026 COVID-19 vaccine (5 years and over) VGD
Service timings reminder
COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the spring 2026 campaign will commence on Monday 13th April 2026 and will end on 30th June 2026.
Patient bookings
The national booking service and 119 telephone booking service opened on 7th April 2026 for the public to make their COVID-19 vaccination bookings.
Walk-in C-19 vac finder
Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations sessions are now for eligible adults aged 18 or over only.
Pharmacy owners can add walk-in COVID-19 vaccination availability to their NHS service profiles via NHS Profile Manager along with any new clinics and opening times.
To create a clinic for adults:
- Sign into the NHS Profile Manager.
- Review walk-in COVID-19 vaccination services, in the NHS website services list.
- Create a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic by entering and confirming a start date, end date and opening times.
COVID-19 vaccination service registration on MYS
Pharmacy owners who wish to provide COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the spring 2026 campaign but who have not yet registered to provide the service can now register using the NHS Business Service Authority’s Manage Your Service (MYS) portal.
Further information on the service and guidance can be found on our Seasonal Vaccination Services hub page.
