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Pharmacy First - Ear Ache

If you or your child has earache, our pharmacists can assess eligible patients aged 1 to 17 years and provide NHS advice and treatment where clinically appropriate, helping you access care without waiting for a GP appointment.

Vantage Pharmacy (Shinfield)
In person

Vantage Pharmacy (Shinfield)

4.4
Change ›

231 Shinfield Road, Reading, RG2 8HD

Opens 2:30pm15 min appointment

If you or your child has earache, you may not need to wait for a GP appointment. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our qualified pharmacists can assess acute ear infections (acute otitis media) in eligible children and provide NHS treatment where clinically appropriate.

This service is available for children and young people aged 1 to 17 years with symptoms of acute earache.

What happens during your consultation?

During your consultation, one of our pharmacists will:

  • Discuss the symptoms and how long they have been present

  • Review medical history and any current medication

  • Assess whether the Pharmacy First service is appropriate

  • Recommend the most suitable treatment

  • Supply NHS medication where clinically appropriate

  • Refer to a GP or another healthcare service if further assessment is required

Your consultation is private, confidential and designed to help your child receive the right care as quickly as possible.

Common symptoms of earache

You may be suitable for this service if you or your child is experiencing:

  • Ear pain or discomfort

  • Reduced hearing

  • A high temperature

  • Irritability in younger children

  • Difficulty sleeping due to ear pain

Why choose PillBox Chemists?

  • No GP appointment required

  • Qualified pharmacists providing expert clinical advice

  • NHS treatment available where clinically appropriate

  • Convenient appointments and walk-in availability

  • Friendly, professional care close to home

If you're unsure whether this service is suitable, our pharmacy team will be happy to help.

Please note: This NHS service is available to eligible patients only. Treatment is provided following a clinical assessment and in accordance with NHS Pharmacy First guidelines.