3rd November 2026
See a pharmacist first for these conditions
Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can assess and treat:
- Sinusitis (age 12 and over)
- Sore throat (age 5 and over)
- Earache (age 1 to 17)
- Infected insect bites (age 1 and over)
- Impetigo (age 1 and over)
- Shingles (age 18 and over)
- Urinary tract infections in women (age 16 to 64)
If you need treatment, the pharmacist can give you prescription medicines, including antibiotics where appropriate, without a GP appointment.
How to use it
- Walk in to any pharmacy that offers Pharmacy First. Most pharmacies do, and you don’t need an appointment.
- When you contact us, our team may refer you directly to a pharmacy if Pharmacy First is right for you.
- NHS 111 can also refer you.
Pharmacists can help with much more
Pharmacists can also give advice and medicines for many other minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, hay fever, aches and pains, and stomach upsets.
When to contact us instead
Contact us or call 111 if your symptoms are severe, getting worse, or not improving, or if the pharmacist advises you to see a GP. In an emergency, call 999.
