NHS Pharmacy First · Shingles
Shingles? Come in as soon as you can.
Treatment for shingles works best if you start it within 3 days of the rash appearing. If you’re 18 or over, our pharmacist can check it and treat it on the NHS today.
- Age 18 and over
- Free consultation
- About 15 minutes
- Walk in, or book
Can I use Pharmacy First for shingles?
Yes, if
- You’re 18 or older
- The rash appeared recently (ideally within the last 3 days)
Not covered
- Under 18s
- Pregnant or breastfeeding: we’ll help you get seen quickly by your GP
- A rash near your eye, or problems with your sight: get urgent help (see above)
- A weakened immune system
Not covered? Come in anyway if you’d like advice. Our pharmacist will help where they can, and tell you who to see if they can’t.
Symptoms
- a tingling or painful feeling in one area of skin
- a rash of blisters a few days later, on one side of the body, often in a band or stripe
- a headache, or feeling generally unwell
What happens when you come in
Walk in, or book a time
Ask at the counter for Pharmacy First. You don’t need to see your GP first.
A private chat with the pharmacist
The pharmacist looks at the rash and asks when it started. The timing matters, so tell us when you first noticed it.
Advice, and treatment if you need it
The pharmacist explains what they think is going on and what will help. Any medicine they give you is supplied on the NHS.
We let your GP know
A short note goes to your GP surgery, so your record is up to date. If you need to see a doctor, we’ll tell you.
What treatment might I get?
If the rash started recently, the pharmacist may offer antiviral tablets on the NHS. They can make the rash heal faster and lower the chance of long-lasting pain.
They’ll also advise on pain relief that’s right for you.
Looking after yourself
- Keep the rash clean and dry, and wear loose clothing
- Take paracetamol for the pain
- Use a cool compress a few times a day
- Keep the rash covered if you’re around other people
You can’t give someone shingles, but someone who hasn’t had chickenpox can catch chickenpox from you. Until the blisters have dried and crusted over, avoid people who are pregnant and haven’t had chickenpox, babies under a month old, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
What it costs
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist gives you a medicine, you pay the usual NHS prescription charge for it, unless you get free prescriptions (for example if you’re under 16, 60 or over, pregnant, or get certain benefits). Check if you get free prescriptions.
Questions people ask
Is there a vaccine for shingles?
Yes, the NHS offers a shingles vaccine to some older adults and to people with a severely weakened immune system. Ask your GP surgery whether you’re eligible.
The rash started over 3 days ago. Is it too late?
Come in anyway. Treatment works best early, but the pharmacist can still advise you and, in some cases, treatment can still help.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk in any time we’re open and ask for Pharmacy First. If you’d rather not wait, book a time online. GP surgeries and NHS 111 can also send you to us.
How long does it take?
About 15 minutes with the pharmacist. If they’re with someone else, you may have a short wait.
Will my GP know?
Yes. We send a short note to your GP surgery afterwards, so your medical record stays up to date.
Is it private?
Yes. You’ll be seen in our private consultation room.
What should I bring?
A list of any medicines you take, including ones you buy yourself. Children under 16 should come with a parent or guardian.
Ready to be seen?
Walk in any time we’re open: Monday to Saturday, 8:00am to 10:30pm. Sunday, 12 noon to 10:30pm. Or book a time and skip the wait.