Pharmacy First
A pharmacist can treat many common illnesses without a GP appointment.
Conditions a pharmacist can treat
Any pharmacy offering Pharmacy First can treat these seven conditions, and give prescription medicine if you need it:
- earache (children aged 1 to 17)
- impetigo (aged 1 and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 and over)
- shingles (aged 18 and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 and over)
- sore throat (aged 5 and over)
- urinary tract infection (women aged 16 to 64)
New from autumn 2026
Some pharmacies with a prescribing pharmacist can now also treat:
- acne
- scabies
- migraine in adults
- hay fever in children
- outer ear infection in adults
Not every pharmacy offers these yet. Ask your pharmacy before you go.
This service is free as part of your NHS care. Normal prescription charges apply to any medicine.
What else can pharmacists do?
- Give advice on minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains
- Provide emergency contraception
- Give travel vaccinations and advice
- Carry out medicines use reviews
- Provide a needle and syringe exchange service
- Offer stop smoking advice and supply nicotine replacement therapy
- Check your blood pressure
- Give flu vaccinations
Find a pharmacy
Find a pharmacy near youPage last reviewed: 2 October 2026. Next review due: October 2027. Content owner: Dr Mark Wilshere.