Yes — in many cases, you can. Since January 2024, pharmacists in England have been able to supply prescription-only antibiotics and other medicines for seven common conditions under the NHS Pharmacy First service. No GP appointment is required.
This represents one of the biggest changes to community pharmacy in recent years, and it means that for certain straightforward infections, your local pharmacy is now a legitimate first point of contact for treatment — not just advice.
Which conditions qualify?
Under Pharmacy First, pharmacists can assess, diagnose, and supply prescription medicines (including antibiotics where clinically appropriate) for:
| Condition | Who qualifies | What the pharmacist may supply |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | Women aged 16–64 | Antibiotics (e.g. nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim) |
| Sinusitis (acute) | Adults and children | Antibiotics if bacterial infection suspected |
| Sore throat (acute) | Adults and children | Antibiotics if Centor/FeverPAIN criteria met |
| Earache (acute otitis media) | Children aged 1–17 | Antibiotics if clinically indicated |
| Infected insect bites | All ages | Antibiotics if signs of infection present |
| Impetigo | Children aged 1+ and adults | Topical or oral antibiotics |
| Shingles | Adults aged 18+ | Antivirals (e.g. aciclovir, valaciclovir) |
Not every consultation results in an antibiotic prescription. Pharmacists follow clinical pathways and may recommend self-care, over-the-counter treatment, or GP referral depending on the severity and presentation of symptoms.
How it works in practice
- Walk into any participating community pharmacy. No appointment is needed in most cases, though some pharmacies operate a triage system during busy periods.
- Speak to the pharmacist. You will be taken to a private consultation room. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms, ask about medical history, and check for any contraindications.
- Receive treatment or referral. If the pharmacist determines that your condition falls within the Pharmacy First pathway and an antibiotic is appropriate, they can supply it on the spot. If the condition is more complex or falls outside the scope, they will refer you to your GP or urgent care.
- No charge. Pharmacy First consultations and any medicines supplied are free at the point of use, funded by the NHS. You do not need to pay a prescription charge for medicines supplied under this service.
When to go to the pharmacy vs the GP
Pharmacy First is designed for common, uncomplicated conditions. You should still see a GP or attend urgent care if:
- Your symptoms are severe, worsening rapidly, or have lasted more than the expected timeframe
- You have significant underlying health conditions that may complicate treatment
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (some conditions may still be managed, but the pharmacist will advise)
- The pharmacist assesses that your condition needs further investigation
- You have recurrent infections that may need specialist assessment
For uncomplicated first presentations of the seven listed conditions, the pharmacy is often the fastest route to treatment. GP appointments in England average a wait of several days to two weeks in many areas, while pharmacy consultations are typically available the same day.
How many pharmacies offer Pharmacy First?
According to NHS Digital's register, there are 13,147 community pharmacies in England. The vast majority are contracted to provide Pharmacy First, though availability of private consultation rooms and staffing levels can affect how each pharmacy delivers the service.
To find your nearest pharmacy, use PharmSee's pharmacy search tool, which lists all registered community pharmacies in England with location data and dispensing activity.
What pharmacists say
Pharmacy First has changed the role of community pharmacists from primarily dispensing to include clinical assessment and prescribing. According to PharmSee's analysis of NHS Jobs listings, clinical and prescribing competencies are increasingly appearing in pharmacy job descriptions — reflecting the profession's shift toward patient-facing clinical work.
For pharmacists and pharmacy staff, the service has added workload and clinical complexity. PharmSee's analysis of Pharmacy First's impact on workload examines how the service has affected staffing and demand two years after launch.
Key things to remember
- Pharmacy First is England only. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own pharmacy services with different scope.
- Not all conditions need antibiotics. Pharmacists will follow evidence-based clinical pathways and may recommend self-care or OTC remedies instead.
- It is free. No prescription charge applies to medicines supplied under Pharmacy First.
- You can still see your GP. Pharmacy First is an additional option, not a replacement for GP care when needed.
Find your nearest pharmacy at PharmSee's pharmacy finder, or browse current pharmacy job opportunities if you work in the sector.
This article provides general information about NHS Pharmacy First in England as of April 2026. It is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional about your specific symptoms. Service availability may vary by pharmacy. For the latest clinical pathways, refer to NHS England's Pharmacy First guidance.