Pharmacy Services
NHS & Private Pharmacy Services
What UK pharmacies actually do — free NHS services and private treatments — and how to compare pharmacies that offer each one.
NHS & Free Services
Funded by the NHS — free at the point of use at participating pharmacies.
Blood Pressure ChecksFree NHS blood pressure checks at participating pharmacies for anyone aged 40 or over — no appointment needed. Compare pharmacies offering checks.Free on the NHSCOVID VaccinationsFree NHS COVID-19 vaccinations are offered to eligible groups each season; private jabs at some pharmacies typically cost £45-£99. Check your eligibility.Free on the NHSEarache Treatment (Pharmacy First)Children aged 1-17 with earache can be assessed free under NHS Pharmacy First at participating pharmacies in England, with treatment where appropriate.Free on the NHSEmergency ContraceptionCompare pharmacies offering free NHS emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) and private consultations, with typical costs and how it works.Free on the NHSImpetigo Treatment (Pharmacy First)Anyone aged 1 and over with impetigo can be assessed and treated free under NHS Pharmacy First at participating pharmacies in England.Free on the NHSInfected Insect Bites (Pharmacy First)Infected insect bites can be assessed and treated free under NHS Pharmacy First at participating pharmacies in England, for anyone aged 1 and over.Free on the NHSMorning-After PillThe morning-after pill is free from many UK pharmacies under NHS schemes, or typically £15-£30 privately. Compare pharmacies offering it near you.Free on the NHSNew Medicine ServiceFree NHS support from your pharmacist when you start a new medicine for certain long-term conditions, to help you use it correctly and stick with it.Free on the NHSNHS Pharmacy Contraception ServiceGet the oral contraceptive pill free from participating pharmacies without a GP appointment, under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service.Free on the NHSNHS PrescriptionsCompare pharmacies that dispense NHS prescriptions — nominate a pharmacy for repeat prescriptions, check delivery options, and understand charges.Free on the NHSOnline PharmacyCompare GPhC-registered online (distance-selling) pharmacies that dispense NHS and private prescriptions by post, with home delivery.Free on the NHSPharmacy FirstGet assessed and treated for 7 common conditions at participating pharmacies in England without a GP appointment — free on the NHS.Free on the NHSPrescription DeliveryCompare pharmacies offering prescription delivery — free NHS repeat delivery from distance-selling pharmacies, or paid local convenience services.Free on the NHSShingles Treatment (Pharmacy First)Adults 18+ with shingles can be assessed free under NHS Pharmacy First in England — antivirals work best within 72 hours, so don't wait for a GP slot.Free on the NHSSinusitis Treatment (Pharmacy First)Adults and children 12+ can get a free NHS sinusitis assessment at participating pharmacies in England, including prescription treatment where appropriate.Free on the NHSSore Throat Treatment (Pharmacy First)Children over 5 and adults can get a free NHS sore throat assessment at participating pharmacies in England — antibiotics only when the criteria are met.Free on the NHSStop Smoking SupportFree NHS stop smoking support runs through many UK pharmacies — regular support sessions plus nicotine products or prescribed medicines. How to start.Free on the NHSTravel ClinicCompare pharmacy travel clinics for destination-specific vaccination advice and private travel vaccinations, with typical prices and booking lead times.Free on the NHSUTI Treatment (Pharmacy First)Women aged 16-64 can get a free NHS assessment — and antibiotics where appropriate — for an uncomplicated UTI at participating pharmacies in England.Free on the NHS
Private Services
Paid services — indicative starting prices; always confirm with the pharmacy before booking.
Earwax RemovalCompare pharmacies offering private earwax (ear microsuction or irrigation) removal, since NHS provision has become limited in many areas.From £50 – £80Erectile Dysfunction TreatmentViagra Connect is available from pharmacists after an assessment; prescription sildenafil or tadalafil usually costs less. Compare providers discreetly.From £15 – £45Flu JabsCompare pharmacies offering free NHS flu vaccinations for eligible groups and private flu jabs for everyone else, with typical UK prices.From £12 – £25Hair Loss TreatmentPharmacies offer finasteride (prescription-only) and over-the-counter minoxidil for hair loss, typically £10-£35 a month privately. See what suits you.From £10 – £35Hay Fever TreatmentPharmacists can recommend antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, and eye drops for hay fever — many cheap to buy. Find out what a pharmacy can offer.From £2 – £15Malaria TabletsSome malaria tablets can be supplied by a pharmacist without a prescription; others need a prescriber. Compare travel health services before you fly.From £20 – £90Period Delay TabletsNorethisterone period delay tablets are available privately after a pharmacist or prescriber consultation, typically £15-£30. Compare your options safely.From £15 – £30Thrush TreatmentPharmacists can supply fluconazole capsules and clotrimazole treatments for thrush, and advise when a GP visit is needed. See your options and costs.From £5 – £15Weight Management ServiceCompare pharmacies offering clinical weight-management consultations, with treatment supplied only where a prescriber assesses it as suitable.From £120 – £250