People in Norfolk and Waveney are being encouraged to order their repeat prescription medications now and think ‘Pharmacy First’ this festive period if they need health help or advice.

Pharmacists can offer advice on a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains. They can also give advice about medicines including how to use your medicine, worries about side effects or any other questions you have.

If a pharmacist cannot help you themselves, they can refer you to a GP or other health professional. If people are unsure what is open or where to turn, NHS 111 can direct you to the most appropriate service for your health needs.

Many pharmacies also offer the Pharmacy First service where they can provide prescription medicine for some common conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment.

Conditions included in the Pharmacy First service are:

• Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• Earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
• Shingles (aged 18 years and over).

If you or someone you care for takes prescription medication, health professionals are urging people to check their stocks and order any medications now to ensure pharmacies can fulfil their order and they have enough stock to last them over the Christmas and New Year period.  

While some pharmacies may close or adjust their opening hours during bank holidays, many remain open for people should they need them.

A list of bank holidays open during the bank holidays are below:

Christmas Day (25 December 2025)

Boxing Day (26 December 2025)

New Year’s Day (1 January 2026)

To find out more about the Pharmacy First service, visit: https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/the-pharmacy-first-service/

To find your local pharmacy, visit: www.nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy