The government proposes allowing nurses and pharmacists to authorise and order more vaccines. The proposal opened for public consultation on 23 September 2026. The deadline is 23 December. As of 4 October, this is a proposal, not new rules in force.

What does the government propose?

The proposal covers, among other things, pneumococcal vaccine in voksenvaksinasjonsprogrammet and certain seasonal influenza vaccines outside the national vaccination programme. Helse- og omsorgsdepartementet, the Ministry of Health and Care Services, wants more people to receive relevant vaccines at the same location.

Ordinere means deciding that a person should receive the vaccine. Rekvirere here means ordering vaccines for use at your own workplace. The proposed powers apply “til bruk i praksis”, for use in professional practice, not general prescriptions for patients outside the workplace. This differs from administering the injection itself.

Voksenvaksinasjonsprogrammet is the public offer of certain vaccines to adults and risk groups. The proposal concerns who may authorise and order them. It does not mean everyone becomes entitled to every vaccine.

The ministry describes the aim as better access and better use of healthcare staff. Competence, clear responsibilities and patient safety must remain the foundation. See the government’s vaccine proposal announcement⁠.

Have the rules already changed?

No. As of 4 October 2026, the case is under consultation. The documents give no adopted date when the changes will apply.

Nurses and pharmacists already have limited rights to order certain vaccines. For pneumococcal vaccine in the programme, this right is currently limited to doctors and helsesykepleiere, nurses with further training in preventive healthcare. The proposal would extend who may do this. The current arrangement is described in the ministry’s consultation document⁠.

On SamfunnPrep you can read about pharmacies and prescriptions in Norway.

What does this mean for you in autumn 2026?

Use the vaccination services available now. You do not need to wait for the consultation to contact your municipality or GP about influenza vaccination.

Folkehelseinstituttet, FHI, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, says influenza vaccine is available from early October. Municipalities are responsible for offering it to risk groups. Check FHI’s information on where to get influenza vaccine⁠ and confirm the time and location locally. SamfunnPrep’s guide to influenza vaccination in Norway explains the programme’s background.

Can you share your views?

Anyone can submit a consultation response by 23 December 2026. Responses are generally public and published.

Before submitting, you can:

  • read the changes the ministry proposes
  • describe your experience finding or using vaccination services
  • check which personal information you want to share publicly.

Use the official vaccine consultation page⁠ for documents and submission.