Shingles (Pharmacy First)

When to book shingles treatment

Come in as soon as you notice symptoms, as antiviral treatment works best when started early. Typical shingles symptoms are:

• Pain, burning or tingling in one area, often before any rash appears
• A red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters, usually on one side of the body or face
• Sensitivity to touch
• Headache or fever
• Fatigue or feeling unwell

You may be eligible for NHS Pharmacy First treatment if you are aged 18 or over, have symptoms consistent with shingles, and the rash has appeared within the last few days.

Seek urgent medical advice if the rash is near your eyes or face, the pain is severe or worsening, the rash spreads widely, you have a weakened immune system, or symptoms are not improving with treatment.

What is shingles?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful viral infection causing a blistering rash, usually on one side of the body. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox the virus stays dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate years later as shingles. The rash normally appears a few days after the first pain or tingling.

How the Pharmacy First shingles service works

• Consultation - your pharmacist asks about your symptoms, medical history and when the rash started
• Assessment - they may examine the rash to confirm shingles is the likely diagnosis
• Treatment - where appropriate, antiviral medication or other treatment is supplied through Pharmacy First
• Referral - if your symptoms need further investigation, you are referred to a GP or another healthcare professional

Early treatment can reduce the risk of complications, including long-lasting nerve pain.

Find shingles treatment near you

Highly trained pharmacists, fast access to treatment through NHS Pharmacy First, and private consultation rooms for confidential care. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest participating Allied Pharmacy in England.