Walk in for expert antiviral supply, pain guidance, and follow-up care through NHS Pharmacy First, right here in Fulham today.
happy patients
Our Pharmacy First service means you see a pharmacist without delay. We use a patient group direction to supply antivirals like aciclovir or valaciclovir on site.
You benefit from swift diagnosis and treatment within three days of your rash appearing. Early antivirals can shorten your illness and cut the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia by up to half.
We follow strict NHS England protocols to ensure safety and effectiveness. You leave with clear instructions on dosing, pain relief options and signs that need further medical review.
Starting antivirals within 72 hours can speed healing and lower nerve pain risk.
Follow these simple measures to feel better between doses.
Don’t wait for pain to worsen. Book your Pharmacy First shingles treatment at Fulham Palace Pharmacy for quick relief and expert advice.
Schedule your appointmentChoose the service you need - travel vaccinations, flu jabs, medication reviews or more and book online, by phone or in person in under a minute.
Enjoy a one-to-one consultation in our relaxed Fulham Palace setting. Our experienced pharmacists will listen, answer every question and design the right care for you.
Leave with your prescriptions, vaccines or personalised health advice—all dispensed on the spot. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to feel confident and well.
Shingles is a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells. It can reappear years later as shingles. You may feel tingling or burning before any rash appears. Early antiviral treatment helps reduce severity and prevents complications.
Pharmacy First lets you see a trained pharmacist without a GP referral. We assess your symptoms, confirm a shingles diagnosis and supply antivirals under NHS patient group directions. You avoid delays, get rapid pain management advice and receive your medicine on the same visit.
You’ll discuss your rash onset, pain level and medical history. The pharmacist checks for risk factors and confirms diagnosis visually. If suitable, you receive a prescription-only antiviral instantly. You leave with dosing instructions, pain relief tips and signs that need GP or A&E review.
Anyone over 18 with a clear shingles rash within three days of onset can use Pharmacy First. You must not have severe immune suppression or eye involvement. If you have concerns, the pharmacist will refer you to your GP or A&E for specialist care.
You can begin antivirals during your pharmacy visit if you present within 72 hours of rash onset. Starting treatment early offers the best chance to shorten your illness and reduce nerve pain risk. Book an appointment as soon as symptoms appear
Common side effects of antivirals include headache, nausea or tiredness. These usually pass quickly. Serious reactions are rare but could include allergic response. If you notice rash spreading, breathing difficulty or facial swelling, stop medication and seek urgent medical help.
A shingles vaccine is available for people over 50 or those at higher risk. It can cut shingles risk by up to 90%. Speak to your GP or pharmacist to see if you qualify. Vaccination remains the best long-term protection against shingles.