How do I get access to my medication?

If you need access to medication during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, call your doctors surgery directly as they will be able to advise on the best local service they have available to ensure you receive your medication. Each surgery will have different prescription timeframes, but it is worth allowing for delays, and ordering at least seven days in advance.

Anyone who is shielding, quarantining, social distancing or newly socially vulnerable because of coronavirus restrictions, and unable to arrange their own prescription collection should be covered by delivery schemes, no matter where you live in the UK.

There are large pharmacy chains and registered online pharmacy delivery services which can enable you to continue to receive your prescription without visiting the doctor’s surgery or pharmacy. If you find a pharmacy on the internet, you can check that it is reputable using the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency website.

England

The governments vulnerable list is closed to new registrations for the moment, as most of England have been advised that they will no longer need to shield from the 1 August. Further guidance on the support still available to you can be found on the GOV.UK shielding guidance web page.

If you live in area that currently has local restrictions you should contact your local council for support.

You can also contact the Royal Voluntary Service and self-refer for help from the NHS Volunteer Responders service via their website or by calling 0808 196 3646. They can provide assistance with prescription deliveries for people who are quarantining, self-isolating or unable to collect medication because of Covid-19 restrictions. 

Scotland

If you live in Scotland you can contact the National Helpline, visit their website or call 800 111 4000, they can connect you to your local authority helpline for assistance. 

Wales

The Welsh Government have announced a prescription delivery service for anyone shielding or self-isolating that does not have a suitable person to help them. The service is free and provided by community pharmacies, contact your community pharmacy to access the service. You can located your nearest one using the NHS Direct Wales search page. 

Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland, can contact the Covid-19 Community Helpline on 0808 802 0020 for support, or get more information from the NI Direct website.

The Helpline can connect you to the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) which is coordinating a delivery scheme across NI.

If you need further advice or support during this time, please call RNIB on 0303 123 9999 or visit the gov.uk coronavirus (Covid-19) web pages, along with additional information for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.