A pharmacist can provide advice for some common health conditions. If you need treatment, they can also prescribe medicine for you.
This is called the Common Conditions Service (CSS).
Common conditions your pharmacist can treat
The common health conditions are:
- allergic rhinitis
- cold sores
- conjunctivitis
- impetigo
- oral thrush
- shingles
- cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection)
- vaginal thrush
The pharmacist will charge you for the service. They will tell you about the cost before the consultation. You'll have to pay even if you have a medical card.
If you are prescribed medicine, you may be able to get this under the Drugs Payment Scheme or with your medical card.
Who may use the service
Not everyone is eligible for this service. It can depend on your age.
You can use the service for:
- allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis - if age 2 or over
- infective conjunctivitis - if age 6 months or older
- cold sores and oral thrush - if age 1 month or older
- impetigo - if age 2 months or older
- shingles - if age 18 or older
- cystitis in women - if age 16 to 64
- vaginal thrush - if age 6 to 60
You may not be eligible for other reasons, such as a condition keeps coming back.
Your pharmacist will tell you if you are eligible.
If you are not eligible for the service, they may still be able to give you advice about your condition.
Or you can go to your GP.
How to use the service
In some pharmacies, this is a walk-in service. This is where you go into the pharmacy and ask to see the pharmacist.
Other pharmacies ask that you make an appointment.