Escalate urgently if…
The workflow highlights red flag symptoms once you reach the complication screen.
Open the NEWS2 calculator before signposting to emergency care.
Pharmacy First | Adults 18 years and over
Shingles
Evidence-based pathway for ≥18 years across Community pharmacy, urgent care, primary care. Tap start to capture history, otoscopy, risk cues, and shared decision status.
≥18 years Community pharmacy, urgent care, primary care
- Implements NHSE Pharmacy First aciclovir and valaciclovir PGDs
- Captures risk screening, rash timing (≤72 h, ≤7 days) and eligibility criteria
- Builds in self-care, safety-netting and immunosuppressed patient actions
What you'll capture
- Age + symptom duration
- Otoscopy appearance and drainage
- Systemic severity and bilateral disease cues
- Risk modifiers (immunosuppression, prematurity, allergy)
- Shared decision plan (immediate vs back-up antibiotics)
Before you begin
- Have otoscopy findings or images ready.
- Confirm allergy history and temperature.
- Document analgesia given and pain score.
- Be prepared to discuss home care (warm compresses, upright feeds, smoke avoidance).