371 NHS Primary Care Bulletin - 8 January 2026

Introduction

This article summarises the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin for 8 January 2026, the weekly email update for teams in general practice, dentistry, community pharmacy, and optometry.

Main themes of the week

This week's bulletin highlights the ongoing NHS flu vaccination programme, the introduction of the MMRV vaccine into the childhood vaccination schedule, and guidance regarding clinical placements in optometry. There is also a focus on several upcoming webinars and training sessions for healthcare professionals across various disciplines.

Primary care

NHS flu vaccination programme

NHS England thanks healthcare providers for their efforts in administering flu vaccinations. To date, over 18.6 million eligible individuals have received their vaccinations, with targeted reminders being sent to 300,000 at-risk children next week. Vaccination efforts must continue, particularly as flu remains a concern. Communication materials are available to aid in these efforts, and vaccine stock can still be ordered through suppliers such as Sanofi and CSL Seqirus. Further information can be found on the NHS Profile Manager.

Registration for the 2026/27 COVID-19 vaccination service now open

General practitioners and community pharmacy contractors can now register to provide the COVID-19 vaccination service for the 2026/27 period. GPs will register via CQRS and complete the data collection form, whilst community pharmacies can do so using this registration form.

Providers need to register by 2 February 2026 to ensure they receive the vaccine in time for the Spring campaign. In addition, they will also be expected to administer the adult flu vaccination service.

Ensuring a consistent approach to infection prevention and control

As winter increases the risk of respiratory viruses, maintaining an effective infection prevention and control (IPC) strategy is crucial. Key actions include:

• Reinforcing the importance of vaccination.

• Maintaining rigorous cleaning of surfaces and equipment.

• Isolating symptomatic individuals where necessary.

• Ensuring staff are educated about diagnostic options for respiratory issues.

• Promoting enhanced ventilation in enclosed spaces.

Despite the lack of a requirement for universal masking, a support tool is available to help staff in healthcare settings with IPC practices.

Introducing the Right Test, Right Time campaign

NHS England, alongside the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, is promoting the Right Test, Right Time campaign aimed at optimising diagnostic testing in healthcare. The initiative encourages clinicians to follow NICE guidelines, thus improving outcomes and minimising unnecessary waiting times. More information can be accessed through the Right Test, Right Time FutureNHS workspace.

General practice

GP webinar to be held on 15 January

A webinar specifically for GPs is scheduled for 15 January from 5pm to 6pm. The session will cover subjects including the peer ambassadors programme, updates on Pharmacy First, and key findings from the independent ADHD taskforce. Interested parties can sign up for the webinar.

MMRV vaccine now added to the childhood routine schedule

The MMRV vaccine will replace the MMR vaccine in the routine childhood schedule, administered at 12 and 18 months. A catch-up programme will roll out this November for children aged between three years four months and under six years. A comprehensive communications toolkit for general practice is available to assist with this transition.

Learning sessions: delivering the People Promise in general practice

Upcoming learning sessions will focus on the NHS People Promise in general practice. Topics covered will include fostering an inclusive culture within practices. Those interested can participate in the learning sessions scheduled for 14 January and 22 January 2026 through the provided links.

Community pharmacy

Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework progress: watch the webinar recording

For those who may have missed it, NHS England has made available a recording of the recent webinar on the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework: 2025 - 2026 for pharmacy contractors, highlighting updates on relevant services.

Dentistry

Dental reform consultation – outcome report published

NHS England has released a letter to dental commissioners following the positive governmental response to the NHS dentistry consultation. Workshops are planned to further discuss contract changes, which will take effect from April 2026, alongside additional guidance expected in February 2026.

Optometry

Optometry clinical placement training payment: contractor guidance

Guidance regarding the clinical placement training payment for optometry trainees in general ophthalmic services settings was published last month. For details, refer to the guidance document.

Get involved

Communicating vaccines webinar: vaccines in pregnancy – 12 January 2026

Join UKHSA and NHS England for a webinar on vaccines during pregnancy on 12 January 2026 from 12.30pm to 1.45pm. Participants can register their interest via Microsoft Forms.

New podcast focuses on frailty and its role in neighbourhood health

The latest episode of the Transforming Primary Care podcast discusses the identification and management of frailty, featuring insights from various healthcare professionals.

Support for LGBTQIA+ patients and staff

Healthcare providers play a critical role in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals. By disseminating information about Switchboard, healthcare teams can facilitate access to essential support services. Find useful resources here.

NHS ConfedExpo returns on 10-11 June 2026

Registration is now open for the NHS ConfedExpo 2026, where healthcare professionals can explore innovative ideas and connect with decision-makers. More details on registration and submission processes can be found by following the links.

Care Closer to Home Conference 2026

Bookings are open for the NHS Confederation’s Care Closer to Home Conference 2026, taking place in London on 24 February. The event promises to address practical solutions in delivering care closer to home.

Upcoming webinars and events

• 12 Jan 2026, 12.30pm – 1.45pm: Communicating Vaccines webinar. Register via Microsoft Forms.

• 14 Jan 2026, 12–1pm: People Promise learning session. General Practice Staff Survey Learning Session.

• 15 January, 5pm-6pm: General Practice webinar.

• 22 Jan 2026, 12–1pm: GP Developing Case Studies Session. Sign up here.

• 3 Feb 2026: Infection Prevention & Resilience event in London. Details here.

• 10 – 11 June: ConfedExpo.

Catch up

For those who missed recent national webinars, slides and recordings can be accessed here.

Content in this article is drawn from the NHS England Primary Care Bulletin. Patient.info edits and formats the updates to provide a clear, accessible archive for professionals.

For the original bulletin, visit the NHS England primary care bulletin link.