A prominent UK pharmacy is reminding customers to place their repeat prescription orders by a certain date in December to ensure a seamless holiday period
10:43, 11 Dec 2025
With GP surgeries closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, a major UK pharmacy is urging customers to submit their repeat prescription orders by a certain date in December to ensure a smooth holiday period, particularly regarding health matters.
Boots intends to keep over 750 chosen pharmacies open during the festive season so that people can continue to access vital healthcare such as medicines, health advice, and key services, throughout the busy Christmas period. Customers can verify the opening hours of their local Boots pharmacy on boots.com as trading hours may be limited and could differ based on the store's location.
The health and beauty retail giant is also reminding those on repeat prescriptions to place their orders no later than December 17 to ensure they arrive in time for the festive break, especially if travel plans are in place.
Patients can acquire medicines, healthcare advice and services, including the NHS Pharmacy First Service in England, from Boots pharmacies.
It's important to note that the provision of treatment is subject to a suitability assessment and that the service is available in most stores in England only. The availability and opening hours of the store are also factors to consider, and charges may apply for the services, reports the Express.
Moreover, Boots PrescriptionsPlus offers a convenient way to manage repeat prescriptions during the bustling festive season.
Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, explains: "If you're feeling under the weather or need access to healthcare over the festive holiday, our pharmacy teams are on hand to help. It's quick and easy to get advice, diagnosis and treatment for common minor ailments from your Boots pharmacy team right on your local high street, with no appointment needed.
"If you are on repeat prescriptions, it's important to ensure that you have ordered your medication before the Christmas break. It's easy to order and track delivery of prescriptions with Boots PrescriptionsPlus - just make sure you get your order in before 17 December to ensure you get your medicines in time for the festive period, especially if you are travelling."
Vital healthcare services available at Boots to support customers during the festive season include:
PrescriptionsPlus
PrescriptionsPlus provides customers with a simple way to access and manage NHS repeat prescriptions. Since the week before Christmas usually marks one of the most hectic times for dispensing, Boots encourages people to order their repeat prescriptions at the earliest opportunity and no later than 17 December to help ensure they arrive before Christmas.
By signing up for PrescriptionsPlus, customers can enjoy free home delivery in England and a tracking service that allows them to follow their prescription order every step of the way, all backed up by text message updates.
Customers can easily register via boots.com, with complimentary delivery via Royal Mail exclusively available to patients registered with an English GP.
The option to pick up in-store (only at participating surgeries) is open to all customers registered with a participating GP anywhere in the UK, although delivery fees may apply. Prescription charges may also be applicable, and enrolment in the text messaging service is compulsory. Tracking is available when ordering via Boots.com.
NHS Pharmacy First Service
Under the NHS Pharmacy First Service, Boots pharmacies in England can offer patients advice and prescription treatment for seven common ailments including sinusitis, sore throats, insect bites, earache in children, impetigo and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.
Over-the-counter medication and healthcare advice
Boots provides customers access to over 180 healthcare services, both privately and on behalf of the NHS. Over 700 healthcare brands are available in store and online, offering symptom relief for seasonal illnesses such as common colds and flu.
Boots patrons can also have healthcare items delivered straight to their doorsteps via boots.com on-demand, with home delivery services available through Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat.
Boots Online Doctor
The Boots Online Doctor provides a handy way to get medical advice and support without needing a GP appointment. It encompasses a range of healthcare services including women's health, sexual health, and general health.
Their clinical and customer service teams are ready to provide patient care throughout the festive period, except for Christmas Day and with limited service on New Year's Day.
It's crucial to remember that access to treatment depends on an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. This service is subject to availability and charges are applicable.