New NHS vaccination outreach services to target health inequalities across the South West

New vaccination outreach services will launch across the South West next month as part of an NHS drive to improve access for communities with lower vaccination uptake.

The three-year contracts will begin on 1 September 2026 and will provide targeted support to people who may face barriers to accessing routine healthcare, including communities experiencing higher levels of deprivation.

Seven providers will deliver outreach services aligned with local Integrated Care Board areas across the region.

The services will work alongside existing vaccination provision, including GP practices, pharmacies and school-aged immunisation teams, rather than replacing existing services.

Outreach teams will use local data and knowledge from communities to identify where additional support is needed. Their work will include helping people understand which vaccinations they may be eligible for, answering questions, building confidence and making vaccination easier to access.

NHS England said some communities continue to experience lower vaccination uptake because of barriers including transport, appointment availability, language and communication needs, digital exclusion, a lack of trusted information and previous experiences of healthcare services.

The programme is designed to help address these inequalities while supporting earlier prevention of ill health.

The wider procurement covers seven areas: Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire; Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire; Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly; Devon; Dorset; Gloucestershire; and Somerset. The programme has a maximum financial envelope of £2 million a year across all seven areas.

Dr Georgina Angel, consultant in public health and screening and immunisation lead for NHS England South West, said access to vaccination was not equal for everyone and some people faced additional barriers when engaging with healthcare.

She said building trust and developing stronger relationships with communities would be central to improving access and supporting conversations about vaccination where they were most needed.

Stay informed with the stories shaping health and social care.

Register with The Daily Round for the latest sector news, inspections & reports, wellbeing content, workforce insights, expert features and practical updates—delivered free to your inbox.