Overview
- Relief applies to consultations and medicines prescribed by pharmacists under the Common Conditions Service.
- The service, launched in January, enables pharmacists to assess, treat and prescribe for allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, uncomplicated urinary tract infections and vulvovaginal thrush.
- Government officials say the change will speed access to trusted care and free GP and hospital appointments for people with more complex needs.
- More than 94% of community pharmacies are signed up to provide the service by the end of this month.
- Health-expense tax relief exceeded €223 million in 2023 with more than 700,000 claimants, offering context for the expanded scheme.