Pharmacy First
Get NHS advice and treatment for common conditions at a pharmacy in England, without needing to see your GP first. Check which conditions are covered, who can use the service and how to contact a local pharmacy.
Last reviewed: .
What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First lets a pharmacist assess certain common conditions and offer advice or treatment. Where appropriate, they can supply prescription-only medicines without a GP prescription.
NHS England launched the service in more than 10,000 pharmacies in January 2024. Availability at an individual pharmacy can change, so check before travelling.
This guide covers England. Pharmacy services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different arrangements.
Pharmacy First conditions and ages
The established service covers these seven conditions. Age is only part of eligibility: the pharmacist will also check your symptoms, medical history and whether treatment is suitable.
| Condition | Age group |
|---|---|
| Earache caused by acute middle-ear infection (acute otitis media) | 1 to 17 years |
| Impetigo | 1 year and over |
| Infected insect bites | 1 year and over |
| Shingles | 18 years and over |
| Sinusitis | 12 years and over |
| Sore throat | 5 years and over |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) | Women aged 16 to 64 years |
Distance-selling pharmacies do not provide the acute otitis media pathway. If you are outside an age group, a pharmacist can still offer advice and explain where to get further help.
Do I need to book an appointment?
You can contact a participating pharmacy directly or walk in to ask about Pharmacy First. You do not need a GP referral for these seven conditions. An appointment is often unnecessary, but calling ahead can help you check availability and whether the pharmacy asks you to book.
Find a pharmacy on Compare Pharmacies, open its profile and use the contact details to check arrangements. Compare Pharmacies does not book appointments.
What happens at the pharmacy?
The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and medicines and decide what help is appropriate. This may be self-care advice, treatment or a referral to another healthcare professional. Antibiotics are only supplied when appropriate.
The NHS consultation is free. Normal NHS prescription charges may apply to medicines unless you are exempt.
Pharmacy First expansion from autumn 2026
On 10 September 2026, NHS England announced five additional prescribing pathways, starting at hundreds of participating pharmacies from autumn 2026.
| Announced pathway | Group described in the announcement |
|---|---|
| Low-frequency episodic migraine | Adults |
| Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Children |
| Acute outer-ear infection (otitis externa) | Adults |
| Mild to moderate acne | Young people and adults |
| Mild skin and soft tissue infections and scabies | Check the published pathway and pharmacy for eligibility |
These services require a participating prescribing pharmacy. They are not automatically available wherever the established Pharmacy First service is offered. Check with the pharmacy; the announcement does not provide complete age and eligibility criteria for every new pathway.
Read the Pharmacy First expansion news
Find a local pharmacy
Search by postcode or place to view pharmacy locations, opening hours and contact details. Ask the pharmacy whether it offers Pharmacy First and can help with your condition.
