Pharmacy First – Shingles

Pharmacy First

Written by the Veritas Pharmacy clinical team. Address: 113 Chester Road, Sunderland. Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, registration number 9012617.

Shingles often starts with pain or tingling in one area of skin, followed a few days later by a painful, blistering rash. Getting treatment started promptly makes a genuine difference, and through the National Health Service Pharmacy First scheme, our pharmacist can assess and treat shingles by remote video consultation, at no cost to you, with a secure video link emailed to you around 10 minutes before your appointment.

What is shingles?

Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains inactive in the body, and can reactivate later in life as shingles, usually affecting a single band of skin on one side of the body only. Early symptoms often include pain, burning, or tingling in the affected area, before a rash of fluid-filled blisters appears a few days later.

Timing matters with shingles. Antiviral treatment works best when started as early as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the rash first appearing, so it is worth being seen promptly rather than waiting to see if it settles by itself.

Who can be treated for shingles through this service?

This service is available to adults aged 18 and over, with the greatest benefit from treatment generally seen in people aged 50 and over. Shingles is assessed and treated entirely through our remote video consultation, so you can be seen from wherever you are.

When to seek help elsewhere. A rash affecting the eye, the area around the eye, or the tip of the nose, needs urgent assessment, since shingles in this area can affect your sight if not treated promptly. Severe symptoms, a widespread rash, or shingles in someone with a weakened immune system also need prompt attention through your general practitioner, the National Health Service urgent number, or emergency care, rather than this service.

What to expect at your appointment

Your pharmacist asks about your symptoms, when they started, and asks to see the affected area over video, since shingles usually has a recognisable pattern and appearance. Because early treatment matters so much, your pharmacist will prioritise getting you assessed and, where appropriate, treated as promptly as possible.

Where antiviral treatment is appropriate, this is prescribed directly during your consultation. Your pharmacist will also cover pain management, since shingles can be genuinely painful, and explain what to expect as the rash progresses and heals over the following weeks.

How to book your shingles appointment

Booking takes a couple of minutes online. This is a remote video consultation, so there is no need to travel to a clinic. A secure video link is emailed to you around 10 minutes before your appointment time. This service is free on the National Health Service.

Ready to book? Same-day slots are usually available.

Book your shingles consultation

Or call 0191 503 4053. Address: 113 Chester Road, Sunderland, SR4 7HG.

Frequently asked questions about shingles treatment

Is this service free?

Yes, this is a National Health Service funded service, free at the point of use.

Who can use this service for shingles?

This service is available to adults aged 18 and over, with the greatest benefit from treatment generally seen in people aged 50 and over.

How quickly should shingles be treated?

Antiviral treatment works best when started as early as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the rash first appearing, so prompt assessment is important.

Is this appointment remote, or can I be seen in person?

All National Health Service Pharmacy First appointments at Veritas Pharmacy, including shingles, are delivered remotely by video consultation. A secure video link is emailed to you around 10 minutes before your appointment.

When should I seek help elsewhere rather than booking this service?

A rash affecting the eye, the area around the eye, or the tip of the nose needs urgent assessment. Severe symptoms, a widespread rash, or shingles in someone with a weakened immune system also need prompt attention through your general practitioner, the National Health Service urgent number, or emergency care.

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