The Pharmacy First Service for the treatment of Shingles is currently available from 50 community pharmacies, until 30 September 2026. If you’re aged 18 and over, and registered with a GP in Northern Ireland, you can now be assessed and treated for shingles in one of the participating community pharmacies without needing to wait for a GP appointment. A list of the pharmacies providing this service is available HERE

What is shingles?

Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. You can get shingles at any age but the risk and severity of shingles increases with age.

The main symptom of shingles is pain, followed by a rash that develops into itchy blisters. It usually affects an area on one side of the body. It doesn’t cross the body’s midline, an imaginary line running down from between the eyes.

Shingles can affect any part of your body including your face and eyes, but the chest and tummy are the most common areas.

Further information on the symptoms and the treatment of shingles is available at: Shingles | nidirect

Who can access the service?

The Pharmacy First service is available to adults aged 18 and over. You will have a consultation with a trained community pharmacist, in a private area of the pharmacy. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment and advice.

How it works:

• You must attend the consultation in person at the pharmacy.
• The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and check whether shingles is present.
• If you’re suitable for treatment, you may be offered antiviral medication free of charge.
• If the pharmacist believes further medical input is needed, you’ll be referred to another healthcare service.

To access the service, please contact one of the pharmacies providing this service