Pharmacy First: what a pharmacist can treat without a GP appointment
Pharmacy First lets you get assessed and, if you need it, treated by a pharmacist in England for a set of common conditions — including prescription-only medicines such as antibiotics — without seeing your GP first. It started in January 2024 and most community pharmacies take part.
The seven Pharmacy First conditions
A pharmacist can treat these conditions if you are within the age range shown:
| Condition | Who can be treated |
|---|---|
| Sinusitis | Age 12 and over |
| Sore throat | Age 5 and over |
| Earache (acute otitis media) | Age 1 to 17 |
| Infected insect bite | Age 1 and over |
| Impetigo | Age 1 and over |
| Shingles | Age 18 and over |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infection | Women aged 16 to 64 |
Five more conditions from autumn 2026
From autumn 2026, pharmacies in England that employ an independent prescribing pharmacist and are registered with NHS England as a prescribing pharmacy can also treat migraine, seasonal allergic rhinitis in children, ear infections in adults (otitis externa), mild to moderate acne, and mild skin infections and scabies. Not every pharmacy offers this, so phone ahead.
How to use it
- Find a pharmacy near you and phone or walk in. You don't need an appointment, although some pharmacies offer them.
- The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and medical history in a private consultation room.
- If treatment is right for you, they supply it there and then. If not, they'll give advice or refer you to your GP or another service.
You can also be referred to a pharmacy by NHS 111 or by your GP practice.
Does it cost anything?
The consultation is free. If you're supplied a prescription-only medicine, the usual NHS prescription charge applies unless you get free prescriptions.
Elsewhere in the UK
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own pharmacy services for common conditions. Read pharmacy services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Source: NHS England. For the latest details see How pharmacies can help (nhs.uk).