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Winter Vaccination Campaign – FREE NHS FLU & COVID VACCINATIONS

Starting 1st October 2026

Flu Vaccines: For eligible patients aged 18+ (65 and over, pregnant women, those with certain long-term health conditions, carers, care home residents, and frontline health and social care workers)

COVID Vaccines: For eligible patients (75+, care home residents, and those who are immunosuppressed)

Clinic Hours: Tues/Wed/Thurs: 10am–3pm


No appointment needed from 13th October – walk-ins welcome! You can also book your flu and/or COVID vaccination directly with the pharmacy by clicking the "Bookable" tab here, through the NHS website linked below, or by calling the pharmacy

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PHARMACY FIRST

Earache

Earache is a common condition that we have surely all faced at some point. Whether it's severe, painful earache or simply mild and irritating. This condition is now covered by the free, NHS Pharmacy First service.
Link Pharmacy - Helping the local community in Maidstone, Barming, Allington, Tovil, East Farleigh, West Farleigh and beyond.
Age range
1 to 17 years
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Quick access to assessment through Pharmacy First

Earache & Early Care

Welcome to Link Pharmacy, your trusted and reliable destination for all your pharmaceutical needs in Maidstone and surrounding areas. We are proud to serve the communities of Barming, Allington, Tovil, East Farleigh, and West Farleigh with top-notch pharmacy services. Our dedicated team of pharmacists is committed to providing personalized care and expert advice to ensure your health and well-being. From prescription medications to over-the-counter remedies, we have you covered. Visit us today and experience the Link Pharmacy difference.
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Earache Symptoms

The main symptom of earache is pain in and around the ear. Ear pain will in almost every case of earache be the main symptom. Accompanying symptoms will then vary depending on what is causing your earache. 

Obvious symptoms to look out for include discharge from the ear which is indicative of an infection. This can be a massive sign, especially for young children who won’t be able to spot an infection themselves. If you think your child has earache book an appointment via the new NHS Pharmacy First service.
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Pain inside the ear
A high temperature
Being sick
A lack of energy
Difficulty hearing
Discharge running out of the ear
A feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
Itching and irritation in and around the ear
Scaly skin in and around the ear

Common causes

In children, the exact cause of earache can sometimes be difficult to identify, and pharmacist assessment may help with evaluation. In adults, earache is often associated with bacterial ear infections, which can be painful and may require treatment.
Earache in young children can be linked to teething.
Excess earwax build-up or a foreign object in the ear may cause pain and discomfort.
In adults, earache is often associated with bacterial ear infections.
Dental problems, including tooth infections or impacted wisdom teeth, can also cause ear pain due to their close proximity to the ear.

What you should know

Earache is a common condition that can range from mild discomfort to more painful infections. Understanding how it can be treated and when complications may occur can help you seek the right care at the right time.

Treatment

Mild earache may be relieved with over-the-counter treatments and simple home remedies, such as applying a warm flannel to the affected ear.
More severe cases may require prescription treatment, including antibiotics where appropriate.
A pharmacist consultation can help identify the likely cause of your symptoms and recommend the most suitable treatment.
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Possible Complications

Although earache itself is not usually serious, untreated infections can occasionally lead to complications.
Inflammation, ear infections and perforated eardrums may affect hearing.
Symptoms can range from temporary tinnitus (ringing in the ears) to, in rare cases, partial hearing loss.
Seeking timely advice and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.

Looking for another service?

Our pharmacy offers a wide range of services to meet your needs. From prescription refills to medication counseling, our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you.
Pharmacy Services
Pharmacy First