Free cholesterol test, Essex pharmacy | Reliance Pharmacy group

Cholesterol Testing Service

Free cholesterol check: ten minutes that could protect your heart

High cholesterol has no symptoms, yet it's one of the main causes of heart attack and stroke. The only way to know your level is to test it. A quick finger prick test gives you a result in minutes and tells you whether you need to make changes or see your GP.

Is it free for me?

Yes, if you're 40 or over, registered with a GP in England and haven't already been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Outside those groups? A private test is £26.

What happens

A short, confidential chat with the pharmacist about your health and family history, then a finger prick test. The pharmacist explains your result, gives advice on diet, activity and weight where relevant, and refers you to your GP if your level is high. A copy goes to your GP practice so it's on your record.

Small changes, big difference

Cutting saturated fat, eating more fibre, moving more and stopping smoking all lower cholesterol. If you smoke, our stop smoking service can help at the same visit.

Know your number

Use the Book Appointment button on this page, or call your local Reliance Pharmacy branch.

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Other Services

Pharmacy First - Sore throat

Sore throat? Get it checked today, no GP appointment neededMost sore throats are caused by viruses and clear up on their own within a week. A few are bacterial and need antibiotics. Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacist can tell which is which using a scoring system called FeverPAIN, so you get the right treatment without waiting for a GP.Who can come inAnyone aged 5 and over. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, are drooling, have a muffled voice or a very stiff neck, or feel severely unwell, you need urgent care rather than a pharmacy, and we'll direct you straight away.What happensIn our private consultation room, the pharmacist looks at your throat, checks your temperature and glands, and asks a few quick questions, such as how long you've had it and whether you have a cough. That gives a score. A low score means self care: pain relief, fluids and rest. A high score means antibiotics can be supplied there and then under NHS rules.What it costsThe consultation is free. If you need antibiotics, the usual prescription charge applies unless you're exempt.Feel better soonerParacetamol or ibuprofen, warm drinks and medicated lozenges all help. Not improving after three to five days, or getting worse? Come back and we'll take another look.Get seen todayUse the Book Appointment button on this page, or call your local Reliance Pharmacy branch.

Pharmacy First - Urinary Tract Infection

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Travel Health Vaccination

Travel vaccinations: everything you need, in one visitPlan ahead, travel easySome vaccines need two or three doses spread over weeks, and some take two weeks to work, so the ideal time to see us is six to eight weeks before you fly. Leaving sooner? Come in anyway: there's nearly always something useful we can do.One appointment, a complete planBring your itinerary and any vaccination records. The pharmacist checks the current recommendations for every country you're visiting, what you've had before, your health and the kind of trip you're taking, then gives you a written plan. Vaccines are given at the same visit where possible. There's no consultation fee; you pay only for what you have.Vaccines and pricesVaccinePer doseDoses per coursePrice per courseChikungunya£1821£182Cholera (oral)£362£72Hepatitis A£671£67Hepatitis A and typhoid (combined)£851£85Hepatitis A and B (combined)£873£261Hepatitis B£523£156Japanese encephalitis£1172£234Meningitis ACWY (Hajj certificate)£601£60MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)£451 or 2£45 or £90Polio, diphtheria and tetanus£421£42Rabies£823£246Tick borne encephalitis£673£201Typhoid£421£42ChildrenVaccinePer doseDoses per coursePrice per courseHepatitis A (children)£652£130Hepatitis A and B (children)£553£165Hepatitis B (children)£293£87Tick borne encephalitis (children)£673£201Antimalarials and travel medicinesMalarone (atovaquone and proguanil) £3.00 per tablet; Malarone for children £1.25 per tablet; doxycycline £0.65 per capsule; other antimalarials from £0.65 per dose; travellers’ diarrhoea antibiotic course £30. Tablets are priced individually so you pay only for the length of your trip.Beyond vaccinesWe also advise on insect bite prevention, altitude, jet lag, travellers' diarrhoea and period delay, and can put together a travel first aid kit. Prices from September 2026, subject to change and to vaccine availability. Doses can be paid for one at a time.Book your travel consultationUse the Book Appointment button on this page, or call your local Reliance Pharmacy branch.

Blood Pressure Checks

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Contraceptive Pill Repeat Supply

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Pharmacy First - Sinusitis

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Mounjaro Injections - (Price per Strength/Dose)

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Weight Loss & Management

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Period Delay

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Emergency Contraception

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