The NHS has shared a list of seven common health conditions that you can get a prescription for without seeing a GP – and it’s important to note the age range for each
Kieran Isgin Money & Lifestyle writer
06:35, 22 Oct 2025
Pharmacies can provide a range of extra help(Image: Getty Images)
Though it might seem natural to book a GP appointment when you’re feeling unwell, you could find yourself facing lengthy delays, particularly if your local clinic is busy and same-day appointments aren’t available. However, the NHS is highlighting that patients can actually obtain prescriptions for numerous everyday conditions without ever setting foot in a doctor’s surgery.
Pharmacies throughout the UK are equipped to offer guidance on countless illnesses and medications, including addressing any worries about adverse reactions. They’re also empowered to direct you towards a GP or alternative healthcare professional should they be unable to assist you directly.
Additionally, they can supply prescription medications for certain ailments without requiring you to visit a GP or even arrange an appointment. NHS guidance explains that this service is called Pharmacy First and specifically encompasses seven particular conditions.
Pharmacists can help with seven common conditions(Image: Getty Images)
Taking to X, NHS UK posted: “Your pharmacist can provide treatment or some prescription medicine, if needed, for seven common conditions – without you seeing a GP. Think pharmacy first and get seen by your local community pharmacy team.”
Content cannot be displayed without consentSeven conditions where you can see a pharmacist for help
Pharmacists are authorised to dispense prescription treatments for numerous health issues. Nevertheless, specific age criteria must be met to qualify for medication for each of the following conditions:
- Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
- Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- Earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
Even if you don’t meet the age criteria for prescription medication for these conditions, a pharmacist can still offer advice, treatment, or a referral if they deem it necessary. The NHS advises that while most pharmacies can provide prescription medicines for the aforementioned conditions, it’s best to ring them first to confirm.
Woman at pharmacy(Image: Getty Images)
Certain pharmacies also offer the contraceptive pill free of charge and without a prescription. However, if your local pharmacy doesn’t provide this service, you can still purchase the emergency contraceptive pill from most pharmacies if you’re aged 16 or over, or the progesterone-only pill if you’re aged 18 or over.
Further details around the services you may be able to receive from your local pharmacy can be found on the NHS website here.