Enables community pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals where clinically appropriate, to treat seven common health conditions without the need to visit a GP.
- Sinusitis – patients aged 12 years and over
- Sore throat – patients aged 5 years and over
- Earache – patients aged 1 to 17 years
- Infected insect bite – patients aged 1 year and over
- Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection) – patients aged 1 year and over
- Shingles – patients aged 18 years and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64 years
If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other healthcare professional if needed. They will then update your GP health record.
If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.
* NHS Prescription rules apply where a medication is supplied.
How pharmacies can help – NHS
Find your nearest pharmacy Find a pharmacy – NHS