As the summer holidays begin, parents and carers are being encouraged to use their local pharmacy as a first stop for treating minor illnesses in children.

Thanks to the NHS Pharmacy First service, you can now get expert help for your child without needing a GP appointment. Pharmacists can offer advice and, if needed, prescribe treatment (including antibiotics) for five common conditions:

• Impetigo (age 1+)
• Infected insect bites (age 1+)
• Earache (ages 1–17)
• Sore throat (ages 5+)
• Sinusitis (ages 12+)

You don’t need to book – just walk into a participating pharmacy and ask for a consultation. If more help is needed, the pharmacy team can guide you to the right service.

Why use Pharmacy First?

It’s quicker, convenient, and frees up GP appointments for more serious concerns.

The scheme also supports adults, covering conditions like shingles, urinary tract infections, and the same minor illnesses listed above.

“Community pharmacists are trained professionals who can now offer prescription medicines for common issues – saving families time and helping children feel better faster,” says Hayley Patterson, Pharmacy Lead at NHS Humber and North Yorkshire.

Find your nearest pharmacy at: www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy

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