Shingles & The NHS Pharmacy First Service
The Pharmacy First service allows community pharmacists in England to assess and treat common conditions – specifically shingles – without the need for a GP appointment. This service offers a faster, more accessible route to expert care, helping to reduce the severity and duration of the infection through early intervention.
Who is this service for?
The specific clinical pathway for treating shingles under Pharmacy First is designed for adults.
Eligibility: Adults aged 18 years and over.
Condition: Suspected shingles (herpes zoster), typically presenting as a painful rash on one side of the body.
Recognising the symptoms
Early signs often appear before the rash. A pharmacist can help if you experience:
Initial Sensation
A tingling, itching, or burning feeling in a specific area of skin.
The rash
Red blotches that develop into fluid-filled blisters, usually appearing in a band or strip on only one side of the body (e.g., chest or tummy).
Pain
The area is often sensitive to touch and can range from mild discomfort to intense, stabbing pain.
Other signs
Feeling generally unwell, with a headache, fatigue, or a high temperature.
How the service works
You can visit us at Saood Pharmacy with or without a GP referral.
Access: Please call us on 01189572687 or visit the form at the bottom of the page to check eligibility and book an appointment.
Consultation: You will have a private consultation with a highly trained pharmacist which includes taking a patient history.
Assessment: The pharmacist will examine the rash and review your symptoms. To be most effective, antivirals should ideally be started within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
Treatment options
If the pharmacist confirms shingles and you meet the clinical criteria, they can provide:
Antiviral Medication: Oral tablets to help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of long-term nerve pain.
Pain Management: Recommendations for over-the-counter painkillers like
paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Self-Care Advice: Guidance on keeping the rash clean and dry, wearing loose clothing, and using cool compresses.
Note: If medication is prescribed, standard NHS prescription charges apply (unless
the patient is exempt). Any over-the-counter medicines recommended will be sold at
the usual retail price.
Why visit Saood Pharmacy to treat shingles?
Convenience
Central town centre location with no need for a GP appointment.
Speed
Early treatment (ideally within 3 days) is vital for the effectiveness of antivirals.
Expertise
Our pharmacy teams provide expert clinical assessment and guidance on managing symptoms and preventing the spread of the virus to others.
Advice and treatment for other common conditions in Saood pharmacy Reading
The Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways Service is an NHS service designed to offer
free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions
including shingles. Patients can access this service at Saood Pharmacy in Central Reading. The additional six conditions covered by this service are:
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Earache
Read more: EaracheThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and provide treatment advice for earache in children and young people aged 1–17 years — helping you access fast, convenient care without needing a GP appointment.
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FLU NHS/PRIVATE
Read more: FLU NHS/PRIVATEFlu Vaccination Service Protect yourself this winter with our NHS and private flu vaccination service. Our trained pharmacists provide quick, safe, and convenient flu jabs to help keep you and your family protected during flu season.
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HEP B
Read more: HEP BPrivate Hepatitis B Vaccination Service We offer a private Hepatitis B vaccination service for individuals seeking protection for travel, work, or personal health reasons. Delivered by trained pharmacists in a safe and convenient setting, our service provides flexible appointments without the need for a GP referral.
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Impetigo
Read more: ImpetigoThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat impetigo in patients aged 1 year and above, without the need for a GP appointment. This provides a fast, convenient way to access expert advice and treatment for this common skin condition.
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Infected Insect Bites
Read more: Infected Insect BitesThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat infected insect bites and stings without the need for a GP appointment. This provides a faster, more accessible way to receive expert advice and appropriate treatment.
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NHS Contraception
Read more: NHS ContraceptionOur pharmacy offers a confidential NHS contraception service, providing advice and ongoing supply of oral contraception without the need for a GP appointment. Our trained pharmacists are here to support you with safe, convenient access to contraceptive care.
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NMS
Read more: NMSOur NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) provides support for patients who have recently started a new medication for certain long-term conditions. Our pharmacists offer advice, answer any questions, and help you get the most from your treatment through confidential follow-up consultations.
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Sinusitis
Read more: SinusitisThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat acute sinusitis without the need for a GP appointment. This provides a quick and convenient way to access expert advice and appropriate treatment to help relieve symptoms and support recovery.
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Sore Throat
Read more: Sore ThroatThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat sore throats without the need for a GP appointment. This provides a quick and convenient way to access expert advice and appropriate treatment to help relieve symptoms and support recovery.
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Supervised Consumption
Read more: Supervised ConsumptionSupervised Consumption Service We provide a confidential and supportive supervised consumption service for patients prescribed certain medicines as part of their treatment programme. Our trained pharmacy team offers a safe, professional environment while helping support your ongoing care and wellbeing.
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Uncomplicated UTI
Read more: Uncomplicated UTIThrough the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists can assess and treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in eligible patients without the need for a GP appointment. This offers a quick and convenient way to access expert advice and appropriate treatment to help relieve symptoms and support recovery.
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