Antibiotics for Minor Illnesses 2026

Can Pharmacists Prescribe Antibiotics For Minor Illnesses Now? - Get fast access to treatments, avoid NHS waiting lists - Get access to top UK consultants and private hospitals - Get speedy diagnostics and tests - Save up to 23% by switching with us # Can Pharmacists Prescribe Antibiotics For Minor Illnesses Now? Starting January the 31st, 2025, a new program called the NHS Pharmacy First advanced service will change how healthcare works in the UK. This program allows local pharmacists to help patients with minor health issues and even prescribe antibiotics for seven common conditions. It’s a big change for pharmacists, and here’s a simple guide to understand how this new healthcare service will work. ## Get Tailored Health Insurance Quotes from Top UK Insurers - - - - - - - ## What is Community Pharmacist Consultation Service? The Pharmacy First Service lets local pharmacists take care of patients without them going to their regular doctor. This, along with improvements to blood pressure checks and contraception services, will save up to 10 million doctor appointments yearly, making it quicker and more convenient for patients. This service builds on the earlier Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) and has three parts: - Clinical pathways - Urgent repeat medicine supply - NHS referrals for minor illnesses Under the Pharmacy First scheme, in England, pharmacists can give advice and prescribe antibiotics, making it easier for people to get help saving many GP appointments. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland already have similar services. ## What minor illnesses can pharmacists prescribe medicine for? You can access the new services just by visiting your local pharmacy. You can also be referred by calling NHS 111, A&E or your GP. Even if you are not registered with a GP in the UK you still can access these services by visiting the local pharmacy. The conditions you can be treated for and get a prescription for are: - Impetigo -1 year and over - Infected insect bites – 1 year and over - Shingles – 18 years and over - Sinusitis – 12 years and over - Sore throat – 5 years and over - Uncomplicated urinary tract infections – Women 16-64 years - Earache – 1 to 17 years If a pharmacist diagnoses one of the [seven