When Your Child Is Unwell, Think Pharmacy First
When your child becomes unwell, knowing where to turn for help can be stressful. The good news is that your local community pharmacy can often provide expert NHS advice and treatment for a range of common childhood conditions – without the need to wait for a GP appointment.
Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, trained pharmacists can assess symptoms, offer clinical advice and, where appropriate, provide NHS medicines, including some prescription-only treatments.
For busy families, it’s a quick and convenient way to access healthcare close to home, helping children recover sooner and get back to school, sports clubs and the activities they love.
Conditions Community Pharmacies Can Help With
Depending on age and eligibility, pharmacists may be able to provide treatment and advice for:
• Earache (ages 1–17 years)
• Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• Urinary tract infections (women aged 16–64 years)
• Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
Why Choose Pharmacy First?
• No GP appointment needed for many common conditions
• Free NHS consultations
• Expert advice from highly trained healthcare professionals
• Walk-in access at many pharmacies
• Convenient evening, weekend and school holiday availability
• Fast access to treatment and support
Community pharmacists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who can help families access the right care at the right time, often saving unnecessary trips to the GP surgery.
How Do I Access the Service?
Accessing Pharmacy First is simple:
• Walk into a participating community pharmacy and ask for a Pharmacy First consultation
• Be referred by NHS 111
• Be referred by your GP practice or another healthcare professional
When Should I Seek Other Medical Help?
Pharmacy First is designed to support common illnesses that can be safely managed by a pharmacist. If your child is seriously unwell, has difficulty breathing, develops a high fever that is not improving, becomes unusually drowsy, or you are concerned they require urgent medical attention, contact NHS 111, your GP practice or call 999 in an emergency.
Your Local Pharmacy Can Help With More Than You Think
In addition to Pharmacy First, community pharmacies offer a wide range of healthcare services including vaccinations, blood pressure checks, contraception services, medicines advice and support for healthy living.
The next time your child develops a common illness, think Pharmacy First. Expert NHS care could be available just around the corner.
Find your nearest participating pharmacy and learn more about the service today.