Shingles treatment on the NHS Pharmacy First service

What is shingles?

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which stays dormant in the body after a childhood infection. It usually appears as a band of blisters on one side of the body or face, and does not cross the middle of the body.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning, tingling or shooting pain, often before the rash appears
• A red rash on one side of the body or face
• Fluid-filled blisters that scab over
• Tender, sensitive skin and itching
• Sometimes a headache, a high temperature or feeling generally unwell

Who the shingles service is for

Our pharmacist can assess you under NHS Pharmacy First if:

• You are aged 18 or over
• Your rash started within the last 72 hours
• The rash is not near, or affecting, your eye
• You are not severely unwell or immunocompromised

Antiviral treatment works best when it is started early - ideally within 72 hours of the rash appearing. Starting early can reduce how severe the illness is and how long it lasts, and may lower the risk of lasting nerve pain afterwards.

When to seek urgent help instead

Please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or seek urgent care straight away if:

• The rash is near, or affecting, your eye
• You are pregnant
• You have a weakened immune system
• The infection is severe or spreading widely
• It has been more than 72 hours since the rash started

In a medical emergency, always call 999.

How the service works

You do not need a GP referral - just contact us:

• Visit us at 245 High Street, Stratford, London E15 2LS, or call 020 4599 5647
• A GPhC-registered pharmacist will assess your symptoms and check your eligibility
• Where it is clinically appropriate, we supply antiviral treatment under NHS arrangements
• If the service is not suitable for you, we will refer you to your GP, NHS 111 or urgent care

We aim to review consultations on the same day during opening hours. If your symptoms are time-sensitive, please contact us directly.

Other NHS Pharmacy First conditions

We can also assess and, where appropriate, treat these common conditions under NHS Pharmacy First: