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Same-day NHS assessment and treatment for Shingles
Three simple steps to get your treatment
Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster). It usually appears as a painful rash or blisters on one side of the body or face and is often preceded by tingling, burning, or sharp pain.
Early treatment is important, as antiviral medication is most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, trained pharmacy clinicians can assess suspected shingles quickly – without needing a GP appointment.
If shingles is confirmed and treatment is appropriate, we can supply NHS-funded antiviral medication and provide advice on pain relief, self-care, and when to seek further help.
Safe, effective medications reviewed by our pharmacists
The Pharmacy First Service can assess:
A new painful rash.
Blistering rash affecting one side of the body.
Burning or tingling pain.
Early symptoms suggestive of shingles.
Mild to moderate shingles symptoms.
Our clinician will assess your symptoms and determine whether treatment can be supplied through the service
Yes.
The consultation is free for eligible NHS patients.
If medication is supplied, standard NHS prescription charges may apply unless you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions.
No.
Eligible patients can access shingles assessment and treatment directly through the pharmacy without needing a GP appointment or referral.
Many patients can be assessed and treated on the same day.
Availability may vary, so we recommend booking as soon as symptoms develop.
Where appropriate, antiviral medicines may be supplied to help reduce viral activity and shorten the course of illness.
Pain management advice may also be provided to help control discomfort associated with shingles.
Shingles affecting the face or eye area requires urgent assessment.
If you experience:
A rash near the eye.
Eye redness.
Eye pain.
Changes in vision.
You should seek urgent medical attention immediately.
Our pharmacy team will arrange appropriate referral if necessary.
The rash typically lasts between 2 and 4 weeks.
Pain may improve as the rash heals, although some people continue to experience nerve pain for longer.
Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of shingles.
It causes nerve pain that continues after the rash has healed and can sometimes last for months or even years.
Early assessment and treatment may help reduce the risk of this complication.
Shingles itself cannot be passed from person to person.
However, the virus can be spread from the blisters to someone who has never had chickenpox, causing them to develop chickenpox rather than shingles.
Until the blisters have crusted over, it is advisable to avoid close contact with:
Pregnant women who are not immune.
Newborn babies.
People with weakened immune systems.
Antiviral medicines are most effective when started within the first few days of symptom onset. Treatment decisions depend on factors such as:
How long symptoms have been present.
Your age.
The location of the rash.
The severity of symptoms.
Your overall health.
Our clinician will determine whether antiviral treatment is appropriate.
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