What can a pharmacist do?

From providing healthcare advice & pharmacy services to access to medicines & administrating vaccinations, let’s take a look at exactly what our talented pharmacists can do…

Looking to skip the wait for a GP appointment? Well, why not try visiting your local pharmacy?

Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can give advice and access to treatment for several common minor health ailments. They also offer various other healthcare services that you might not even know about – from blood pressure testing services to vaccinations and stop smoking support.3

Here, we take a look at exactly what our talented Collins pharmacists can offer.

Give advice and provide access to treatment

First things first, pharmacists are always on hand to give healthcare advice and support.

With a broad range of expertise, they can provide advice on things like:

  • Medicines – including how to use them and information on side effects
  • Wellness – such as healthy eating, weight management, and being active
  • Minor ailments – such as coughs, colds, sore throats, and aches and pains

They can also let you know when you might need to go and see a different healthcare provider, such as your GP. So, if you’re dealing with any minor ailments or have any questions on medicine or treatments, pop in to see your local pharmacist for a chat!

Provide access to treatment

Pharmacists can supply over-the-counter medicines (that don’t need a prescription) for a range of common minor health conditions like coughs, tummy troubles and aches and pains, plus minor injuries, like scrapes and grazes.

Pharmacists can also offer access to prescription treatment if appropriate, for seven specific conditions, without you needing to see a GP, thanks to the NHS Pharmacy First Service (England only).

Dispensing prescriptions

If you take medicines regularly, or you’ve been prescribed a new medicine from your GP, your local pharmacy will be able to dispense this for you.

You might be able to ask your pharmacy directly for your medicine if your GP has set this up (repeat dispensing). If not, you’ll need to order your medicines through a repeat prescription from your GP. But try to request the prescription up to five working days before you need your medicine, so you’re not left without.

Private vaccination services

We also have several private vaccination services available at Collins, including:

Travel Vaccinations & Health Advice Service

Travelling abroad this year? Our Travel Vaccinations Health Advice Service helps you prepare for your upcoming adventure with peace of mind.

During your 40-minute travel health appointment, your pharmacist will advise on any vaccinations or antimalarials you should consider for your trip. If you choose to have the vaccinations or take the antimalarials, they can give these to you at this appointment. They can also provide any additional personalised travel health advice for your trip.

Simply book online six to eight weeks before you travel here

Winter Flu Jab Service3

We offer free NHS flu jabs for those eligible and also private flu appointments.

The new season of flu vaccinations will begin in September or October 2025, and you can book online when these open here.

Other vaccination services

We also offer several other vaccination services in selected Collins pharmacies, including:

  • HPV Vaccination Service
  • >Chickenpox Vaccination Service
  • MenB Vaccination Service
  • Pneumonia Vaccination Service
  • RSV Vaccination Service
  • Shingles Vaccination Service

NHS Pharmacy First Service

England only pharmacy services available at Collins

Our pharmacy teams across England also offer plenty of health services here at Collins Chemist. We’ve taken a closer look at several of them below, but for the full list of services make sure to check out our A-Z guide

NHS Pharmacy First Service

The NHS Pharmacy First Service is an NHS service that is available at most of our pharmacies across England. Through this service, you’re able to access advice and treatment, if needed, for seven common conditions:

  • Sore throat (for adults and children aged 5+)
  • Sinusitis (for adults and children aged 12+)
  • Earache (for children aged 1 to 17)
  • Shingles (for adults aged 18+)
  • Infected insect bites and stings (for adults and children aged 1+)
  • Impetigo (adults and children aged 1+)
  • Cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64)

And the best part? You don’t need an appointment to access this service. Simply walk into a participating Collins pharmacy and ask for help.

Your pharmacist will take a few details and assess your condition. They’ll then talk to you about suitable next steps based on your condition and symptoms. This may include advice and support, or prescription treatment, if needed.

All NHS Pharmacy First Service consultations are free, but charges may apply for treatment.