Who is eligible for Pharmacy First Ear Infection treatment?

You may be eligible if you are children aged 1–17. Treatment is free on the NHS — no GP appointment or referral needed.

What are the symptoms of Ear Infection?

Ear pain (young children may tug or pull at their ear); Difficulty hearing; Fever or feeling generally unwell; Irritability or crying in younger children.

Do I need a GP referral to be treated for Ear Infection at a pharmacy?

No — under NHS Pharmacy First you can walk into any Bounce Pharmacy branch without a GP appointment or referral. The service is completely free to eligible patients.

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Ear Infection

Children aged 1–17

An infection inside the ear causing pain and sometimes hearing difficulties.

Typical symptoms

Ear pain (young children may tug or pull at their ear)
Difficulty hearing
Fever or feeling generally unwell
Irritability or crying in younger children

What we do

Our pharmacist will examine the ear and assess whether antibiotics are needed. Many ear infections clear up on their own — we'll advise on pain relief and when to seek further help if things don't improve.

When to seek other help

This service may not be suitable in the following situations — please seek the appropriate care instead:

Under 1 year old
Adults (18 and over) — see your GP
Swelling, redness or tenderness behind the ear (possible mastoiditis — go to A&E)
Discharge of blood or pus from the ear
High fever not responding to paracetamol or ibuprofen