Pharmacy First – Get Help Without a GP Appointment

Most pharmacies can help you with seven common conditions without needing to see a GP.

The service covers:

• Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• Earache (children and young people aged 1 to 17 years)
• Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)

You can visit your local pharmacy for advice, treatment and, where appropriate, NHS prescription medicines—often without an appointment.

If the pharmacy team cannot help, they will direct you to another healthcare professional if needed.

Ask your pharmacy for more information about this free NHS service.

Published: Apr 28, 2026