With summer in full swing, many of us are planning holidays, enjoying time outdoors, and taking advantage of the longer, sunnier days. But alongside the sunshine and fresh air, summer also brings its share of minor health complaints — from hay fever and insect bites to skin rashes and mild infections.
Traditionally, your first port of call might be your GP. But this summer, there’s another convenient and accessible option: the Pharmacy First service.
Launched in England in 2024, the Pharmacy First scheme empowers community pharmacists to treat a wider range of conditions, offering expert advice, consultations, and even prescription medications — all without needing to see your GP first.
In this article, we’ll explore what the Pharmacy First service is, how it works, and the many ways it can help you and your family stay healthy and happy throughout the summer months.
What is the Pharmacy First Service?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service available in participating community pharmacies across England. It allows trained pharmacists to offer clinical consultations and treatments for seven common conditions, without the need for a GP appointment.
This initiative aims to:
- Ease pressure on GP surgeries
- Improve access to healthcare
- Provide faster treatment for minor ailments
Most importantly, it makes healthcare more convenient and accessible, especially during busy periods like the summer holidays when GP practices may be stretched.
What Conditions Can Be Treated Under Pharmacy First?
As of summer 2025, the following conditions are covered under the Pharmacy First service:
- Earache (in children aged 1 to 17 years)
- Impetigo
- Infected insect bites
- Shingles
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged 16–64
These are all conditions that commonly crop up during the summer months — particularly if you’re outdoors more, travelling, or spending time in close contact with others.
How Pharmacy First Can Help You This Summer
Summer is a time of increased activity, travel, and outdoor exposure — which also means a higher likelihood of encountering certain health issues. Here’s how the Pharmacy First service can help.
1. Treating Insect Bites and Stings
Summer brings bugs — and while most bites are harmless, some can become red, swollen, itchy, or even infected. Under Pharmacy First, your pharmacist can assess the severity of an insect bite and, if needed, provide antibiotic creams or tablets.
This means no waiting for a GP appointment — just pop into your local participating pharmacy and get treated on the spot.
2. Managing Earache in Children
Swimming, allergies, or air pressure changes during flights can all lead to earaches in children. Under the new service, pharmacists can assess ear pain in children aged 1 to 17 and recommend suitable treatment — potentially including antibiotics if an infection is present.
With many GP surgeries having long wait times in summer, this can be a real game-changer for families.
3. Relief for Sinusitis and Sore Throats
Hay fever, pollution, and seasonal colds can all contribute to blocked sinuses and sore throats. Rather than hoping it clears up or waiting days to see a GP, you can now speak to your pharmacist, who will assess the symptoms and offer prescription treatment if necessary.
This is especially helpful if you’re about to travel and want to feel better quickly.
4. Shingles Support Without Delay
Shingles can appear unexpectedly, often beginning with tingling or burning sensations and a painful rash. Under Pharmacy First, your pharmacist can start you on antiviral medication quickly, which is important as early treatment can reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
5. Fast Treatment for Uncomplicated UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in the summer, particularly when people are dehydrated or spending more time outdoors. Women aged 16–64 can now get antibiotic treatment for a simple UTI directly from a pharmacist without a GP visit.
This allows for prompt symptom relief — especially handy if you’re away from home or it’s difficult to get a doctor’s appointment.
6. Impetigo Treatment Made Simple
Impetigo, a common skin infection especially in young children, spreads easily in warm weather and during holidays. Under Pharmacy First, a pharmacist can diagnose and provide antibiotic cream to treat the infection — all within a single visit.
How Does the Process Work?
Using the Pharmacy First service is easy:
- Visit a participating pharmacy (check in advance if your local pharmacy offers the service)
- Speak to a trained pharmacist
- The pharmacist will carry out a confidential consultation in a private room
- If appropriate, they can supply prescription-only medication
- If your condition is more serious, they’ll refer you to a GP or other healthcare service
You do not need to make an appointment in advance — Village Pharmacy accept walk-in consultations.
Is the Service Free?
Yes — for most people, the Pharmacy First service is NHS-funded and therefore free of charge, just like a GP appointment. If you’re usually exempt from prescription charges, your treatment will be free as well.
However, prescription charges may apply if you normally pay for NHS prescriptions in England.
Why This Matters in Summer
Summer is one of the busiest times for both healthcare services and families. The combination of school holidays, increased travel, and warm weather means:
- GP practices are often overbooked
- Minor ailments can become disruptive to plans
- People are less likely to want to wait for care
The Pharmacy First service offers a convenient, expert-led solution that keeps you and your family healthy, without the hassle.
Bonus: More Than Just Advice
Don’t forget that your community pharmacist can also help with:
- Travel health advice and supplies (like suncream, insect repellent, or motion sickness tablets)
- Hay fever relief, including antihistamines and nasal sprays
- First aid kits and medical essentials for your holiday
- Vaccinations (such as for travel or flu, depending on availability)
Final Thoughts
The new Pharmacy First service is a fantastic addition to NHS healthcare — and especially valuable during the busy summer months. It allows families to get fast, expert help for common conditions, without needing to wait days for a GP appointment or visit A&E unnecessarily.
So this summer, if you find yourself battling a sore throat, struggling with an infected bite, or worrying about your child’s earache, remember: your local pharmacy is here to help — first.
