What is NHS Pharmacy First?
The Pharmacy First scheme is an NHS initiative designed to offer
professional healthcare advice and, treatment for 7 common illnesses through your local pharmacy.

NHS Pharmacy First is an England-only service providing
professional healthcare advice and, if appropriate, treatment for 7 common illnesses at community pharmacies.

What conditions can NHS Pharmacy First help with?

Pharmacy First provides easy access to prompt advice and treatment including prescription medicines, where appropriate, for seven common conditions. Here is the list of common conditions covered alongside the age criteria:

  • Sinusitis (12 years and over)
  • Sore throat (5 years and over)
  • Earache (1–17 years)
  • Infected insect bites and stings (1 year and older)
  • Impetigo (1 year and older)
  • Shingles (18 years and over)
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in women (16-64 years)

Please note that other eligibility criteria apply. If you are outside of the criteria, a pharmacist may still be able to provide advice and care, such as suggesting an over-the-counter treatment or, if required, referring you to another healthcare provider.

Cystitis (UTIs)

  • Our pharmacists can offer advice & treatment for cystitis, including prescription treatment, where appropriate, for women aged 16-64.
  • For catheter wearers please contact your GP if you suspect you have a UTI.
  • Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection, where the bladder becomes inflamed.
  • Symptoms of cystitis can show suddenly & include:
  • Stinging or burning when you pee
  • Urgent and frequent urination
  • Darker, cloudy and/or strong-smelling urine
  • Tummy pain
  • Feeling generally unwell

Earache

  • Our pharmacists can provide advice & treatment for earache, which includes prescription treatment, where appropriate, for individuals ages 1-17 years.
  • Earaches are common, especially in children.
  • Common symptoms can include:
  • Sharp, dull or a burning ear pain
  • Ear pain that comes & goes or is constant
  • Earache or pain can affect one ear or both

Sinusitis

  • Our pharmacists can offer advice & treatment for sinusitis, including prescription treatment, where appropriate, for individuals 12 years & over.
  • Sinusitis, is the inflammation & swelling of the lining of the sinuses.
  • Symptoms of sinusitis can vary in severity; common symptoms include:
  • A blocked nose
  • Green or yellow mucus from your nose
  • Pain & tenderness around your eyes, cheeks or forehead
  • A sinus headache
  • A fever (a high temperature of 38C or more)
  • Toothache
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Bad breath (halitosis)

Sore Throats

  • Our pharmacists can offer advice & treatment for sore throats, including prescription treatment, where appropriate, for individuals aged 5 years & over.
  • Sore throats are usually caused by viruses like a cold or the flu, smoking or occasionally bacteria.
  • A sore throat is very common, symptoms can include:
  • Irritation & pain when swallowing
  • A dry, scratchy throat
  • Redness in the back of your mouth
  • Bad breath
  • A mild cough
  • Swollen & red tonsils
  • Swollen glands in your neck

Shingles

  • Our pharmacists can offer advice & treatment for shingles, including prescription treatment, where appropriate, for individuals aged 18 & over.
  • Shingles occur when a nerve becomes infected, causing a painful rash on the skin around it.
  • Symptoms of shingles include:
  • Pain in the affected area, followed by a rash that develops days later
  • This rash will only appear on one side of your body, if there is a rash on both sides it’s unlikely to be shingles
  • The rash may develop into itchy blisters that may ooze fluid
  • New blisters can appear for up to a week