People across Norfolk and Suffolk are being encouraged to think ‘Pharmacy First’ this Easter bank holiday weekend (3 April – 6 April) if they need health help or advice.
Pharmacists can offer expert advice on a range of common illnesses, including coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections, and aches and pains. They can also provide guidance on medicines, including how to take them safely, manage side effects, or answer any questions you may have.
Many pharmacies offer the Pharmacy First service, which allows patients to receive prescription-only treatment for certain common conditions without needing to see a GP or book an appointment.
Conditions covered by Pharmacy First include:
- Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- Earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
- Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
If a pharmacist is unable to help, they can refer you to a GP or another appropriate healthcare professional. If you are unsure where to go, NHS 111 can direct you to the most suitable service for your needs.
To find a local pharmacy, including opening hours over the bank holiday, visit the NHS pharmacy finder.