Dorset School Aged Immunisation Service

NHS England South West is seeking a provider to deliver the Dorset School Aged Immunisation Service, covering the Dorset Integrated Care Board footprint.

The procurement relates to the recommissioning of the NHS School Aged Immunisation (SAI) programme, which provides vaccinations for school-aged children and young people attending state schools, independent schools, complex needs schools, alternative settings, and those educated at home through community clinics or local school-based delivery.

The service will support the delivery of nationally commissioned immunisation programmes designed to protect children and young people from vaccine-preventable diseases and improve population health outcomes. Programmes currently included within the contract scope are:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations (Year 8)
• Diphtheria, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis (Td/IPV) booster (Year 8)
• Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccinations (Year 9)
• Seasonal Influenza vaccinations (Reception to Year 11)
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) catch-up vaccinations (Reception to Year 11)

According to the procurement documents, the scope of the service may be expanded in the future to include additional vaccination programmes where recommended nationally or requested by the Commissioner.

The contract will operate under a block and variable payment model. In addition, an Access & Inequalities Fund will be included to support interventions aimed at improving vaccination uptake amongst communities least likely to access the core vaccination offer.

Contract Information

• Buyer: NHS England South West
• Deadline: 28 July 2026, 12:00pm
• Contract Value: £4,574,822.98 for the initial four-year term; maximum value of £8,005,940.22 including extension options
• Delivery Length: 1 August 2027 to 31 July 2031 with the option to extend for up to a further three years
• Tender Link: Click here

Evaluation Criteria

The procurement documentation confirms that price is not the only award criterion. Full evaluation criteria and methodology are detailed within the tender documents.

Contract Requirements

TUPE arrangements will apply to this contract. The Commissioner has confirmed that the service will be delivered using the NHS Standard Shorter-Form Contract.

Interested providers must meet the basic selection criteria relating to professional suitability, economic and financial standing, and technical and professional ability as set out within the procurement documentation.

This opportunity reflects continued investment in childhood immunisation services across Dorset and provides providers with the opportunity to support the delivery of nationally mandated vaccination programmes aimed at improving health outcomes for children and young people across the region.

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