Quicker treatment for hay fever through pharmacies

People can now get quicker, more convenient treatment for seasonal allergic hay fever (rhinitis) affecting children aged 4-11 at hundreds of pharmacies in England, without needing to see a GP first. 

Participating high street pharmacies will offer on-the-spot treatment for rhinitis, under an expansion of the Pharmacy First Scheme which means people can walk into a high street pharmacy at times which fit in with their everyday schedule. 

The move will also help to ease pressure on GPs, ensuring emergency services can focus on those who need them most while making sure more people can easily access care for a common health condition. 

Gary Stiefel, consultant in paediatric allergy at the University of Leicester Hospitals NHS Trust and a member of the Allergy UK (incorporating Anaphylaxis UK) Health Advisory Board, was one of the people behind the move to make rhinitis medication more easily available.  

He says: “I asked health bosses to try implement this in England. Initially, the response was lukewarm, but I persevered and, along with a pharmacy colleague, provided data which supported the case. I was contacted by NHS England and was able to put forward a strong case. 

“Most importantly, it’s great news for children suffering with hay fever and should allow them to get safe treatment over the counter.” 

Thousands of pharmacies already offer people support for seven common conditions through the initiative known as Pharmacy First and around four in five people in England live within a 20-minute walk of a community pharmacy. 

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, says: “Thanks to community pharmacy teams, millions of people have received treatment for common conditions quickly and conveniently on their local high streets.”