Chickenpox vaccine: the NHS catch-up starting in November 2026
Children born between January 2020 and August 2022 can have a free chickenpox vaccine from November 2026. Who qualifies, and the options for everyone else.
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What a pharmacist can treat without a GP appointment
Seven conditions can be assessed and treated in the pharmacy under NHS Pharmacy First. Here is what that covers and what it does not.
Cold, flu or COVID-19? What to do and where to go this winter
How to tell a cold from flu, what helps at home, when a pharmacist can sort it out, and when to call NHS 111 or 999, from our Brighton pharmacy team.
RSV vaccine: who can have it free on the NHS in 2026
The free RSV vaccine now covers everyone aged 75 and over with no upper age limit, care home residents, some people aged 65 to 74 and pregnant women.
Shingles vaccine: who can have it free on the NHS
The free shingles vaccine is offered at 65, from 70 to 79 and to adults with a severely weakened immune system. How the birthday rule works.
Going away this winter? When to start on travel vaccines and malaria tablets
Some travel vaccines need several doses and some malaria tablets start weeks before you fly. How far ahead to plan a winter trip, and what is free on the NHS.
Vitamin D in winter: who should take it and how much
From October to March the UK sun is too weak for your skin to make enough vitamin D. Who should take a supplement, how much, and who needs one all year round.
Ordering a repeat prescription without the phone queue
Nominate a pharmacy once and your repeats arrive electronically. Here is how to set it up and what slows an order down.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter: who can have them free
Who can have a free NHS flu or COVID-19 vaccine in winter 2026 to 2027, where to have them in Brighton, and what to do if you are not on the list.
Blood pressure: what the two numbers actually mean
High blood pressure has no symptoms. A free check in the pharmacy takes a few minutes and tells you where you stand.