Pharmacy First eligibility

The Pharmacy First service allows you to get advice and treatment for certain common conditions directly from your local pharmacy, without needing to see a GP.

Below is a simple guide on who this service is suitable for and when you may need to seek care elsewhere.

 

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary system, such as the bladder.

✅ You can use this service if you:

❌ You should NOT use this service if you:

  • are male
  • are under 16 or over 64 years old
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • have frequent UTIs (two occurrences in 6 months or three in 12 months)
  • have diabetes

 

Shingles

Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash.

✅ You can use this service if you:

❌ You should NOT use this service if you:

  • are under 18 years old
  • are pregnant or think you might be
  • are breastfeeding and have sores on your breasts
  • developed the rash more than 7 days ago

 

Impetigo

Impetigo is a common skin infection. It is contagious, which means it can be passed on by touching.

✅ You can use this service if you:

  • are aged 1 year or older
  • have symptoms of impetigo
  • have a small number of affected areas (4 or fewer patches)

❌ You should NOT use this service if you:

  • are under 1 year old
  • are pregnant, or think you might be (if under 16 years old)
  • are breastfeeding (especially if lesions are on the breast)
  • get impetigo repeatedly (two or more episodes in the same year)
  • have widespread infection
  • feel generally unwell

 

Infected insect bites

Sometimes insect bites or stings can become infected or cause a reaction.

✅ You can use this service if you:

  • are aged 1 year or older
  • have a bite or sting that is getting worse or hasn’t improved after 48 hours

❌ You should NOT use this service if you:

  • are under 1 year old
  • are pregnant, or think you might be (if under 16 years old)
  • were bitten or stung in contaminated water or by livestock outside the UK

 

Sore throat

A sore throat is usually caused by an infection.

✅ You can use this service if you:

❌ You should NOT use this service if you:

  • are under 5 years old
  • are pregnant, or think you might be (if under 16 years old)
  • have frequent tonsillitis
  • have had your tonsils removed

 

Sinus infection (sinusitis)

Sinusitis is swelling in the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. Sinuses are small, empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of the nose.

✅ You can use this service if you:

❌ You should NOT use this service if you:

  • are under 12 years old
  • are pregnant, or think you might be (if under 16 years old)
  • have had symptoms for less than 10 days
  • get sinus infections frequently

 

Ear infection

This is an infection of the inner (middle) part of the ear.

✅ You can use this service if you:

❌ You should NOT use this service if you:

  • are under 1 year old or aged 18 and over
  • are pregnant, or think you might be (if under 16 years old)
  • have frequent ear infections

 

How the pharmacy can help

Your pharmacist can:

  • assess your symptoms
  • provide advice and treatment if appropriate
  • refer you to another healthcare professional if needed

No appointment is needed – just walk in and speak to your pharmacist.

Find your nearest pharmacy.

 

When to seek further help

You should seek urgent medical advice by contacting your GP or NHS 111 if:

  • your symptoms are severe or getting worse
  • you feel very unwell
  • you are unsure whether Pharmacy First is right for you

Always call 999 or go straight to A&E when it is a life-threatening emergency.