Pharmacy First is an NHS-funded service that allows community pharmacists in England to assess, advise on, and, where appropriate supply prescription-only medicines for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP first. It launched on 31 January 2024 and represents a significant shift in how NHS primary care works.
For millions of patients in England, the community pharmacy is now the first clinical destination for everyday illness, faster to access than a GP surgery, free to use, and available without an appointment at most locations.
What Are the Seven Pharmacy First Conditions?
1. Sinusitis (aged 12 and over)
A sinus infection is causing facial pain and a blocked nose. Pharmacists can supply an antibiotic nasal spray or tablets where clinically appropriate.
2. Sore Throat (aged 5 and over)
Assessed using the FeverPAIN scoring system. Pharmacists can supply an oral antibiotics for likely bacterial cases.
3. Earache – Acute Otitis Media (children aged 1 to 17)
A middle ear infection common in children. Oral antibiotics or ear spray can be supplied where clinically indicated.
4. Infected Insect Bite (aged 1 and over)
If a bite becomes infected with increasing redness and swelling. Pharmacists can supply oral antibiotics where needed.
5. Impetigo (aged 1 and over)
A contagious bacterial skin infection causing red sores. Topical creams or oral antibiotics are available from the pharmacist.
6. Shingles (aged 18 and over)
Caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Antiviral medication can be supplied ideally within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
7. Urinary Tract Infections (women aged 16 to 64, not pregnant)
Burning urination and frequent urges to go. Pharmacists can supply oral antibiotics directly.
How to Access Pharmacy First
Walk into any Pharmacy First-registered pharmacy in England without an appointment. The pharmacist conducts a private consultation, asks about your symptoms and medical history, then either supplies a treatment, recommends an over-the-counter product, or refers you to your GP if your condition falls outside the service. The consultation is recorded and shared with your GP electronically.
Use Charac to find your nearest Pharmacy First pharmacy by postcode and check availability before you visit.
Is Pharmacy First Free?
Yes, Pharmacy First is entirely NHS-funded. There is no consultation fee, and any prescription medicine supplied is provided free of charge as part of the service. You do not pay a prescription charge for medicines issued under Pharmacy First.
What Pharmacy First Does Not Cover
Pharmacy First covers seven specific conditions only. See your GP, call 111, or go to A&E for symptoms outside these conditions, serious or rapidly worsening illness, children outside the eligible age ranges, UTI symptoms in men, pregnant women, or women over 64, or any long-term or chronic health concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics under Pharmacy First?
Yes – for sore throat, sinusitis, earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, UTIs, and shingles where clinically appropriate.
Is Pharmacy First available in Scotland and Wales?
Scotland has its own Pharmacy First scheme; Wales has a Minor Ailments Service, both of which differ from the English version.
Do I need an appointment for Pharmacy First?
No, most pharmacies accept walk-ins, though some may ask you to wait during busy periods.
Does every pharmacy in England offer Pharmacy First?
The vast majority of NHS-contracted pharmacies do use Charac or the NHS website to confirm your nearest one.
Will my GP know I used Pharmacy First?
Yes, consultations are recorded and shared electronically with your registered GP surgery.
Can children use Pharmacy First?
Yes, for some conditions, earache from age 1, sore throat from age 5, impetigo and infected bites from age 1; age limits vary by condition.
