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Under a third of adults in England are aware they can be treated for shingles at their local pharmacy, a new survey has indicated.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) survey found 70 per cent were unaware pharmacies could prescribe treatments for shingles through Pharmacy First, and that 37 per cent of women did not know pharmacies could prescribe treatments for urinary tract infections.

The findings of an NPA-commissioned YouGov survey of over 2,000 adults, published as part of the trade body's annual Ask Your Pharmacy Week (November 2-9) campaign, found that there was strong public awareness of other prescription treatments now available through Pharmacy First.

Eighty-eight per cent thought they could be prescribed a sore throat treatment by their pharmacy without the need for a GP appointment, while 79 per cent thought pharmacies could help with infected insect bites.

Tbe NPA also found that 81 per cent of adults have visited their local pharmacy at least once in the past year, with 40 per cent going at least once a month – rising to 58 per cent of people aged over 65. 

Meanwhile, 87 per cent said they supported a greater number of services being made available through community pharmacies.

NPA chief executive Henry Gregg said: “Pharmacies are part of the NHS family and the range of clinical services provided by community pharmacies has expanded significantly in recent years.

“Although steps have been taken forwards to make people aware of the services offered in pharmacies, this data shows much more can be done to make sure people know they can get good care on their doorstep for a range of ailments.

“It’s clear that the public wants more services close to home, at their local pharmacies, which are a trusted and highly convenient part of the health service.

“With sufficient government investment, our sector can deliver a whole lot more support for long term conditions, prevent ill health with an expansion of the NHS vaccination programme and improve access to care for common illnesses, without the patient necessarily needing to see a GP.”