A major new pilot launching this month will allow health visiting teams to offer vaccinations directly to children during routine visits, providing a crucial safety net for families who might otherwise miss essential immunisations.
The initiative targets families who have “fallen through the cracks” of traditional healthcare access – including those not registered with a GP, facing travel or childcare pressures, experiencing language barriers, or managing difficult personal circumstances that make attending appointments challenging. By bringing vaccinations into the home, the pilot aims to remove obstacles and ensure more children receive life‑saving protection from preventable diseases.
Beginning mid‑January, twelve schemes will roll out across London, the Midlands, North East & Yorkshire, North West and the South West. Health visitors – specialist public health nurses who support children under five with development, feeding and family health – will be trained to administer vaccinations safely and hold sensitive conversations with parents who may feel uncertain.
The pilot is designed to complement, not replace, GP services. Families are encouraged to continue attending their local surgeries for routine vaccinations, but health visitors will step in to reach children who might otherwise miss out.
The year‑long trial will be evaluated before a planned nationwide rollout from 2027.
The NHS will identify families who would benefit from the scheme using GP records, health visitor notes and local databases, ensuring support is directed where it is needed most. Officials say the initiative reflects a wider commitment to strengthening vaccination programmes and tackling pockets of low uptake.
Already this autumn, more than 18 million flu vaccines have been administered – an increase of several hundred thousand compared to the same time last year – while over 60,000 additional NHS staff have received their flu jab.
Alongside the pilot, the government is investing in improved digital tools to help parents track their child’s health information. Through the NHS App, families can now access My Children, a digital replacement for the traditional Red Book, enabling parents to view vaccination records and monitor development milestones more easily.
From today (2 January 2026), the new MMRV vaccine will be offered to children across England. Replacing the existing MMR jab, it protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox in a single dose. This simplifies the vaccination schedule and offers chickenpox protection for the first time.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting said:
“Every parent deserves the chance to protect their child from preventable diseases, but some families have a lot going on and that can mean they miss out.
“Health visitors are already trusted faces in communities across the country. By allowing them to offer vaccinations, we’re using the relationships and expertise that already exist to reach families who need support most.
“Fixing the NHS means tackling health inequalities head-on. By meeting families where they are, we’re not just boosting vaccination rates - we’re building a health service that works for everyone.”
The health visiting vaccination pilot aligns with the government’s wider Family Hubs and Start for Life programmes, which provide vital early‑years support – including health visiting, infant feeding advice and parenting guidance.
It also complements the government’s year‑round “Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated” campaign, aimed at building public confidence in immunisation and reducing the spread of preventable diseases.
With a focus on accessibility, prevention and digital innovation, the vaccine‑delivery pilot marks a significant step towards ensuring every child receives the protection they need, regardless of their circumstances.
Image credit: iStock
