- 45 South Street, Lancing, BN15 8AN
- Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00 · Sat 09:00–13:00
- 01903 752191
- Delivery Available
Advice and NHS-funded treatment for shingles infections for those aged 18 years and above through the Pharmacy First Service.
Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It most commonly affects older adults, but it can happen to anyone who has had chickenpox.
We offer a free advice and treatment service through the NHS Pharmacy First Service for those aged 18 years and above, without the need to see your GP.
The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and check your suitability and eligibility for the service. If your symptoms suggest a more serious condition, you may be referred to your GP or another service for further assessment and treatment.
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have had chickenpox, the virus remains in your body in an inactive form and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles.
Through the Pharmacy First Service, we can offer advice and treatment for eligible patients with shingles.
Shingles usually starts with pain, tingling or a burning feeling in one area of the skin, followed by a red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters. The rash typically appears on one side of the body, most often around the waist, chest or face.
The main signs and symptoms include:
A pharmacist will assess your symptoms during a consultation. If it is clinically appropriate and you are eligible through the NHS Pharmacy First service, treatment may be offered to you for shingles. The available treatment options include:
If you are not eligible for treatment through the Pharmacy First Service or the available treatments are not appropriate for you, the pharmacist may recommend an alternative treatment option or sign-post you to another service.
If your symptoms are severe, affecting your eyes or face, spreading quickly, or do not improve, seek medical help.
Visit the NHS.uk webpage for up-to-date advice and information on shingles.
The service is available to adults aged 18 years and above who have symptoms of shingles. It is not suitable for pregnant individuals.
Your pharmacist will check your suitability and eligibility during your consultation.
The pharmacist will assess your symptoms during a private consultation and check your suitability and eligibility for the NHS Pharmacy First Service.
If it is clinically appropriate, treatment may be offered. If your symptoms suggest a more serious infection or condition, you may be referred to your GP or another service.
The advice and treatment service is free through NHS Pharmacy First. If you are issued a prescription medicine, you will pay the standard NHS prescription charge unless you’re eligible for free prescriptions.
Your pharmacist will explain how to take your treatment and what to expect. Antiviral treatment works best when started early, so contact the pharmacy as soon as possible after the rash appears. Always follow their instructions and complete the course as advised.
If your symptoms are severe, affecting your eyes or face, spreading quickly, or do not improve, seek medical help. Your pharmacist may recommend contacting your GP if your symptoms require further investigation or a different type of care. You can contact NHS 111 for urgent guidance if unsure what to do. In a medical emergency, call 999.
