When a child develops an earache at 6pm on a Saturday, the GP surgery is closed and A&E feels excessive. The pharmacy is often the right first stop — open late, no appointment needed, and staffed by a healthcare professional who can assess, advise, and in many cases treat the problem on the spot.
Here is what parents need to know about using pharmacy services for children in England.
Free prescriptions for all children
All NHS prescriptions for children under 16 are free in England. Young people aged 16 to 18 in full-time education also qualify for free prescriptions. There is no form to fill in and no card to show — the pharmacist simply asks the child's date of birth when dispensing.
This means parents never need to weigh up whether a prescribed medicine is "worth" the cost. If your child's GP or pharmacist prescribes it, you collect it free of charge.
Pharmacy First for children
The NHS Pharmacy First service allows pharmacists to assess and treat certain conditions without a GP appointment — including conditions that commonly affect children:
Earache. Pharmacists can assess ear pain in children and adults, recommend appropriate pain relief, and supply prescription-strength ear drops where clinically indicated. If the pharmacist suspects a more serious infection, they will refer to a GP.
Impetigo. This contagious skin infection is common in young children. Under Pharmacy First, the pharmacist can assess the lesions and supply antibiotic cream (fusidic acid) directly — no GP visit required.
Infected insect bites. If an insect bite has become red, swollen, or shows signs of infection, the pharmacist can assess it and supply antibiotics where appropriate.
Sore throat. For children over 5, the pharmacist can use a clinical scoring system to assess whether a sore throat is likely bacterial and, if criteria are met, supply antibiotics directly.
Sinusitis. Pharmacists can assess symptoms and provide treatment or referral.
The pharmacist will always refer to a GP or urgent care if they have concerns about a child's condition — particularly for very young children, high fevers, or symptoms that suggest something more serious.
Over-the-counter medicines for children: what to know
Not all OTC medicines suitable for adults are appropriate for children. Key points:
Paracetamol is available as Calpol and similar liquid formulations for children from 2 months of age. Dosing is strictly by age and weight — always check the packaging or ask the pharmacist.
Ibuprofen (Nurofen for Children and similar) is available from 3 months of age for fever and pain. It is not suitable for children with asthma in some cases — check with the pharmacist.
Aspirin must not be given to children under 16 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children under 6 and should only be used in children 6-12 on pharmacist or doctor advice. Simple remedies — fluids, rest, honey (for children over 1 year) — are often more appropriate.
Antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) are available in child-friendly formulations for hay fever and allergic reactions. The pharmacist can advise on age-appropriate products and dosing.
If in doubt about any OTC medicine for a child, always ask the pharmacist before purchasing.
When to take your child to the pharmacy vs the GP vs A&E
| Situation | First step |
|---|---|
| Mild cold, cough, runny nose | Pharmacy — for OTC advice |
| Earache, sore throat | Pharmacy — Pharmacy First can assess and treat |
| Suspected impetigo or infected bite | Pharmacy — Pharmacy First can supply antibiotics |
| High fever not responding to paracetamol, rash, difficulty breathing | GP urgently, or 111 / A&E if out of hours |
| Allergic reaction (swelling, hives, breathing difficulty) | 999 immediately |
| Ongoing condition needing review | GP appointment |
| Prescription collection | Pharmacy |
The pharmacist is trained to recognise when a child needs more urgent care and will refer appropriately. There is no risk in visiting the pharmacy first — if the condition is beyond what they can treat, they will tell you.
Practical tips for pharmacy visits with children
- Bring the child if possible. For Pharmacy First consultations, the pharmacist may need to see the child (for example, to look at a skin condition or check ear symptoms).
- Know their allergies. Tell the pharmacist about any known drug allergies or medicines the child is already taking.
- Ask about sugar-free options. Many children's medicines are available in sugar-free formulations — relevant for children with diabetes or for dental health.
- Keep a medicines record. If your child takes regular medicines, keep a list on your phone. It makes pharmacy consultations faster and safer.
Finding a pharmacy
Over 13,000 community pharmacies in England offer Pharmacy First and OTC medicine sales. Most are open into the evening and many operate on Saturdays. Find pharmacies near you, including opening hours and services, using PharmSee's pharmacy search. For a broader view of pharmacy and GP coverage in your area, try the location analysis tool.
Sources: NHS England Pharmacy First service specification; NHS Medicines for Children guidance; MHRA advice on OTC medicines for children. This article provides general information for parents and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a pharmacist or doctor about your child's specific health needs.