- Almost a third of UK adults report falling ill post-summer as they pick up illnesses from children as they return to school1
- Two in five say they regularly de-prioritise their health by delaying seeking support from a healthcare professional
- To remind people that they can visit their local Boots pharmacy for convenient access to diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of common conditions, a Boots pharmacist is swapping the high street for the school run as a ‘lollipop pharmacist’ for a day
As new data from Boots reveals that a third of UK adults report feeling ill post-summer (32%) and catching illnesses from children who have returned to school (35%), the UK’s leading health, wellness and beauty retailer is encouraging the nation to turn to its pharmacists for quick and convenient healthcare support and treatment.
Despite feeling under the weather, two in five (39%) people admit to regularly de-prioritising their health during the busy back-to-school season. Feeling a burden to GPs (40%) and the time it takes to book and go to an appointment (49%), came out as the top reasons people may put their health on hold. Although pharmacists can advise on, diagnose and treat a range of common health conditions, nearly half (40%) of UK adults say their GP remains their first port of call when they do seek help for these conditions.
According to the research, the most common conditions experienced during the back-to-school season are colds (37%), coughs (29%), headaches (23%), aches and pains (22%) and flu (16%). Pharmacists can support people to treat the symptoms of these conditions and, under the NHS Pharmacy First Service*, Boots pharmacies in England can also offer patients access to advice and prescription treatment for seven common conditions including insect bites, sinusitis, earache in children, impetigo and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.
To serve as a reminder of the support available on the high street, a Boots pharmacist is popping up as a ‘lollipop pharmacist’ for the day. Sanjay Nathwani will engage with parents and children at the school gates at a primary school in London to help them cross the road safely, whilst sharing healthcare advice and support, including tips on staying well this autumn and how pharmacists can help when they do feel under the weather.
Sanjay Nathwani said: “The back-to-school season is a time where many fall ill post-summer and popping up in my community as an iconic lollipop person has been a fantastic opportunity to remind people that pharmacists are never too far away and can help.
“The role of pharmacists like me has expanded massively in recent years – we can now diagnose, advise and provide treatment where appropriate for a wide range of ailments. From contraception services, and vital health checks like blood pressure monitoring, we are on hand to help. And with over 80% of the population within 10 minutes of a Boots store, healthcare expertise is more accessible on the high street than ever.”
Aimi Dickinson, Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, said: “We want to encourage people to think ‘pharmacist first’ for common health conditions to enable them to get the healthcare support they need as quickly as possible. Access to healthcare on the high street is an important part of the NHS 10-Year Plan and there’s already a huge amount of support available at community pharmacies like Boots.”
Since rolling out the NHS Pharmacy First service in England in January 2024, Boots has delivered over one million NHS Pharmacy First consultations in England, helping patients nationwide with diagnosis and treatment for seven common conditions.2
Alongside Pharmacy First, Boots delivers over 180 NHS and private healthcare services, including blood pressure checks, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and a contraceptive service**. Boots has a wealth of healthcare expertise available in its stores, including over 4,900 pharmacists, 15,000 pharmacy technicians and over 480 healthcare specialists across the UK.
* Supply of treatment is subject to a suitability assessment. In most stores in England only. Subject to availability and store opening hours. Charges may apply.
** Eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability. In participating stores in in England only.
1All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from research conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,001 nationally representative UK respondents (Aged 16+) with min. 1,000 Parents/Grandparents. The data was collected between 01.08.2025 - 05.08.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. ‘Strongly agree’ and ‘Somewhat agree’ answers combined.
2Number of Pharmacy First consultations at Boots in England, 31 January 2024 to 08 August 2025.