What do I do?

201 questions about screening, vaccines, helplines, where to go and what it costs, asked in November 2026.

Where to go or find a service 45

Question

The NHS says

AI Overviews

AI Mode

ChatGPT

can I refer myself for therapy on the NHS

Yes, no GP needed

where can I get the morning after pill for free

No single NHS line

how do I get an ADHD assessment as an adult

Start with GP

Should I drive myself to A&E if I think I need to go?

Do not drive

Not sure if I need 999 for my 3 year old, who do I call?

111 if under 5

Who should I see first about self-harm, a GP or a helpline?

Speak to a GP

–

My toddler fell and hit her head, should I call 111 or go to A&E?

No single NHS line

Can I use NHS 111 online for my 3 year old or do I have to phone?

Online from age 5

I think I have an eating disorder. Who should I see first?

As soon as you can

–

How do I buy a prescription prepayment certificate by phone in England?

0300 330 1341

Can I get ketone testing kit free on the NHS for diabetes?

Free or pharmacy

Can I refer myself to a weight loss service without seeing a GP?

Can self-refer

Should I drive myself to A&E with severe sudden stomach pain?

No, call 999

Can I refer myself for talking therapy for stress that makes my IBS worse?

Yes, no GP needed

Do I need to see my GP first to get NHS talking therapies for anxiety while pregnant in England?

Yes, self-refer

Can I book an appointment at an urgent treatment centre through NHS 111 online?

NHS 111 online

–

Can I refer myself to NHS talking therapies for postnatal depression without seeing a GP? I'm 28.

Age 18, or 16

Should I take my 3 year old to the GP or pharmacist for a sore throat?

See a GP

I need medical help today but it's not life-threatening, who do I contact?

Call or use 111

Can I refer myself for NHS talking therapies if I don't have a diagnosis?

No diagnosis needed to self-refer

How do I get an autism assessment for myself as an adult?

Ask your GP

Can I use Right to Choose to get an ADHD assessment at a private clinic on the NHS in England?

Yes, if offers NHS

I'm over 40 and never had a cholesterol test. Can I ask my GP for one?

Ask GP if over 40

I can't find an NHS dentist taking new patients near me, who can I contact to help?

Contact local ICB

Should I drive myself to A&E if I think I have a blood clot on my lung?

Do not drive

Can I get a free hearing test at Boots or Specsavers?

No single NHS line

I'm a 30 year old woman and not pregnant, can I get UTI treatment from a pharmacist without seeing a GP?

Pharmacist for suspected UTI

Can I take my NHS optical voucher to any opticians or only certain ones?

Any NHS supplier

I knocked out my adult tooth, how quickly should I be seen by an NHS emergency dentist?

Within 1 hour

Where can I get a free blood pressure check near me if I'm over 40?

Free from age 40

Can I contact NHS talking therapies myself without seeing my GP? I'm 25 and live in England

Aged 18 or over

Do I need a GP referral or appointment to go to a sexual health clinic?

No GP referral

Can I refer myself for talking therapy for depression without seeing a GP?

Self-refer, no GP

I've run out of my repeat medicine and the GP is closed, how do I get an emergency supply?

111 online service

When should I call 111 about my baby's temperature if they are under 3 months?

Yes, 38C or higher

What is an early intervention team for first episode psychosis?

Early intervention

Can I order my repeat prescription online without phoning my GP surgery?

NHS App or website

Should I drive myself to A&E with a bad headache and confusion?

Do not drive

Can I refer myself for NHS talking therapies without a diagnosis of depression or anxiety?

No diagnosis needed to self-refer

Can I refer myself for talking therapy for ulcerative colitis stress and anxiety in England?

Yes, self-refer

Where can I go to get bleeding between periods checked?

See GP or sexual health clinic

Can a pharmacist help with dehydration after a stomach bug?

Pharmacist

What can a pharmacist give me for dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoea?

No single NHS line

●No UK source on AI Overviews

fastest way to lose weight

No single NHS line

How do I find a hospice near me?

Ask GP or district nurse

Support and helplines 43

Question

The NHS says

AI Overviews

AI Mode

ChatGPT

macmillan support line number

0808 808 00 00

–

is there a helpline for families of someone with dementia

0333 150 3456

Is there an NHS number to ring for help giving up smoking after a TIA?

0300 123 1044

What number can I call for the Parkinson's UK helpline?

0808 800 0303

–

What is the MS Society helpline number?

0808 800 8000

–

I don't want to speak on the phone about feeling suicidal, is there a text service?

Shout: text SHOUT to 85258

–

What is the Endometriosis UK helpline number?

0808 808 2227

–

What is the phone number for Miscarriage UK helpline?

0303 003 6464

–

What is the Tommy's midwife helpline number and when is it open?

0800 014 7800

–

Macmillan helpline number for someone just diagnosed with kidney cancer

0808 808 00 00

–

What is the phone number for the Meningitis Now helpline?

0808 80 10 388

–

Tommy's helpline number for support after baby loss

0800 0147 800

–

What is the phone number for help with health costs for glasses and eye tests?

0300 330 1343

What is the Orchid helpline number for testicular cancer support?

0808 802 0010

–

My dad has MND. Is there a helpline number for the Motor Neurone Disease Association?

0808 802 6262

–

What is the Beat helpline number for eating disorders?

0808 801 0677

–

What is the Asthma and Lung UK helpline number?

0300 222 5800

–

British Heart Foundation helpline number

080 802 1234

–

I'm 15 and feel really low, is there a free number I can ring that won't show on my phone bill?

0800 1111, free

RNIB helpline number for sight loss support

0303 123 9999

–

Free number to call for children under 19 who feel suicidal, that won't show on phone bill

0800 1111

–

What number do I call to talk to Samaritans for free?

116 123

–

Is there a helpline for womb cancer from the Eve Appeal?

0808 802 0019

–

I'm 16 and want to talk to someone about hurting myself. Is there a number for Childline?

0800 1111

–

What is the Macmillan helpline number for cancer support?

0808 808 00 00

–

I'm on a low income but not on benefits, can I get help paying for the dentist?

Possible help with cost

Pancreatic Cancer UK helpline number

0808 801 0707

What is the helpline number for Crohn's and Colitis UK?

0300 222 5700

–

What is the phone number for the Fibromyalgia Action UK helpline?

0300 999 3333

–

What number can I ring for Diabetes UK helpline and when is it open?

0345 123 2399

–

Macmillan helpline number for prostate cancer support

0808 808 00 00

–

What is the Macmillan helpline number for someone with ovarian cancer?

0808 808 0000

–

Macmillan helpline number for someone just diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma

0808 808 0000

–

Macmillan helpline number for someone just told they have lung cancer

0808 808 00 00

–

What is the number to call 111 using text relay if I'm deaf?

18001 111

Liver UK helpline number for cirrhosis support

0800 652 7330

–

Coeliac UK helpline phone number and opening times

0333 332 2033

–

What number do I call to talk to Samaritans about self-harm?

116 123

–

What is the phone number for the UK Sepsis Trust helpline?

0808 800 0029

–

Arthritis UK helpline number for osteoarthritis

0800 5200 520

–

What is the Macmillan helpline number for someone just diagnosed with oesophageal cancer?

0808 808 00 00

–

What is the Glaucoma UK helpline number?

01233 64 81 70

–

how to find mental health charities near me

No single NHS line

Screening and vaccines 73

Question

The NHS says

AI Overviews

AI Mode

ChatGPT

how often do you get a smear test at 30

Every 5 years

what age does bowel cancer screening start

No single NHS line

who can get the RSV vaccine

No single NHS line

My baby was born in March 2025. When do they get the MMRV vaccine?

12 and 18 months

What age are women invited for cervical screening on the NHS?

Cervix, aged 25-64

Is there a flu vaccine for kids without pork gelatine?

Gelatine-free jab

What age do babies get the MenB vaccine in the UK?

At 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 1 year

Do I get bowel cancer screening if I have ulcerative colitis?

Regular screening

I'm 76, can I still get a bowel cancer screening kit?

Every 2 years

At what ages do babies get the whooping cough vaccine in the 6-in-1 jab?

At 8, 12, 16 weeks and 18 months

Can gay men get the HPV vaccine on the NHS, and what is the age limit?

HPV vaccine until 46th birthday

–

When do babies get the pneumococcal vaccine in the UK?

16 weeks

–

Can I have the pneumococcal vaccine if I'm pregnant?

Yes, even pregnant

What age do you get the shingles vaccine on the NHS if you turned 65 before September 2023?

At age 70

Can the hepatitis B vaccine give you hepatitis B?

No, killed virus

How long should I wait to get pregnant after the chickenpox jab?

1 month

Can my baby have their vaccinations if they have a cold?

Minor illness does not stop vaccinations

Can I drive home after my diabetic eye screening appointment?

Blurred for hours

Which travel vaccines can I get free on the NHS?

Yes, at GP surgery

How many doses of the gonorrhoea vaccine do I need and how far apart?

2 doses, 4 weeks

●Didn’t say on AI Overviews

●Didn’t say on AI Mode

Do adults need booster doses of the chickenpox vaccine after 2 doses?

No boosters

How long do vaccine side effects like a sore arm usually last?

2 to 3 days

I'm 22 and a woman and never had the HPV jab at school. Can I still get it free on the NHS?

Under 25

–

When in pregnancy should I get the whooping cough jab?

Around 20 weeks

Do I have to pay for a rabies vaccine before going abroad or is it free on the NHS?

No, you pay

Can I give my child aspirin for a fever after their vaccination?

Not under 16s

How long before starting university should I get the MenACWY vaccine?

2 weeks before

Can I still get the MenACWY jab at 20 before starting university?

Ask GP until 25th birthday

Who can get the shingles vaccine on the NHS if they're 72?

Ages 70 to 79

How many RSV vaccine doses do older adults need?

1 dose

●Didn’t say on AI Overviews

How often should I be invited for an NHS Health Check if I'm 45 and healthy?

5 years, 40 to 74

How often do I get a smear test in England if I'm 40?

5 years, 25 to 64

Can I have the hepatitis B vaccine if I'm pregnant?

Yes, safe

I'm 76 and never got a bowel cancer screening kit. Can I still ask for one?

Every 2 years

●No number on ChatGPT

I'm 45 and haven't had my blood pressure checked in over 5 years. Should I get it done?

Over 5 years ago

How well does the MenB vaccine protect against gonorrhoea after 2 doses?

30% to 40%

Can I have the MMR vaccine if I'm pregnant?

Not if pregnant

Do women with gestational diabetes get diabetic eye screening invitations?

Not invited

Can I have the flu vaccine if I'm pregnant?

Any stage

How long does it take to get breast screening results back after a mammogram?

Within 2 weeks

How long should I wait for another injection in the same arm after BCG?

Wait 3 months

●Different on ChatGPT

My baby missed her 6-in-1 jabs. How old can a child still get the vaccine?

Up to age 10

My baby missed the first rotavirus vaccine, is it too late at 14 weeks?

Up to 15 weeks

Should premature babies wait to have their vaccinations?

From 8 weeks old

I had the whooping cough vaccine in my last pregnancy, do I need it again this time?

Every pregnancy

Who can get a free NHS flu jab aged under 65?

Yes, aged 18 to 64

Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?

No link

My baby missed her 12 week jabs, what should I do?

No single NHS line

What age do children get the chickenpox vaccine on the NHS?

12 and 18 months

What age do kids get the 4-in-1 pre-school booster UK?

3 years 4 months

Can I get an NHS Health Check at 38?

Ages 40 to 74

At what age do men get invited for an AAA screening in England?

Age 65

How many doses of the mpox vaccine do I need and how far apart?

28 days apart

●Didn’t say on AI Mode

Where do babies get their injections at vaccination appointments, arm or thigh?

Thigh

Can my baby have the 6-in-1 vaccine if they had anaphylaxis after the last dose?

No, if anaphylaxis

Can I have the mpox vaccine if I'm pregnant?

Yes, if pregnant

Can I have the 3-in-1 teenage booster if I'm pregnant?

Yes, if pregnant

Is the whooping cough vaccine safe for my baby if I have it while pregnant?

Very safe

I'm 22 and missed the MenACWY jab at school. Can I still get it?

Up to age 25

Does the rotavirus vaccine protect against norovirus and other tummy bugs?

Does not protect against other illnesses

Can I have the covid vaccine if I'm pregnant?

Yes, safe

Do I need to wait for an invitation to book a covid jab on the NHS?

No invitation needed to book

I'm 55 and missed my breast screening appointment months ago. Can I still book one?

Yes, still book

Why haven't I been invited for a lung health check even though I smoked for years?

No single NHS line

–

Does my baby need the BCG vaccine if their grandparent was born in a country with high TB?

No single NHS line

Can I have the chickenpox vaccine if I'm pregnant?

No single NHS line

What age do you get the shingles vaccine on the NHS?

No single NHS line

What illnesses does the 6-in-1 vaccine protect against?

No single NHS line

Can an adult who never had the jab get the MMR vaccine for measles?

No single NHS line

I'm a woman, can I get an aortic aneurysm screening?

No single NHS line

Do I need a pneumococcal jab because I have diabetes?

No single NHS line

●No UK source on AI Overviews

how often do you have cervical screening in England if you are 35

No single NHS line

How often should women with NF1 have a mammogram and from what age?

Yearly from age 40

●Different on AI Overviews

Rules, costs and entitlements 40

Question

The NHS says

AI Overviews

AI Mode

ChatGPT

can I drive after a heart attack

No single NHS line

how much is a prescription in England

£9.90 per item

How much gluten can gluten-free labelled food legally contain in the UK?

Up to 20 ppm

How much does a filling cost on the NHS in England?

Band 2, £76.60

My child tested positive for covid, how many days should they stay off school? They are 9

No single NHS line

If my glasses cost more than my NHS optical voucher, do I have to pay the difference?

You pay difference

Dentist says I must go private so my child can be seen on the NHS, is that allowed?

No, must not ask

How often can I get a free NHS eye test if I'm eligible?

Every 2 years

Can I self refer to NHS talking therapies at 17 in England?

Age 18 or over

If my prescription has 3 medicines on it, do I pay once or three times in England?

Pay per item

Do I get free NHS dental treatment if I'm pregnant in England?

Free for 12 months

When can my child go back to nursery after chickenpox?

Until spots scab

How long should I stay off work after a sickness and diarrhoea bug?

Stay off until 2 days symptom-free

How long do I need to keep my child off school with measles?

4 days from rash

Can I drive if I have had an epileptic seizure?

No driving

Can I get cosmetic teeth whitening on the NHS or do I have to pay privately?

Usually private

Are childhood vaccines compulsory in the UK?

Not mandatory

Do I have to pay for an emergency NHS dentist appointment as an adult?

Most pay

Do I need to tell the DVLA if I have atrial fibrillation?

Maybe tell DVLA

Is A&E open 24 hours a day on weekends and bank holidays?

Yes, 24 hours

How many days before I run out should I order my repeat prescription?

5 working days

●Different on ChatGPT

How long should my child stay off school with scarlet fever?

24 hours

Does my employer have to make reasonable adjustments if I'm autistic?

Yes, a disability

Do I get a free NHS eye test if I'm 60 or over?

Free at 60+

Can I be admitted to a mother and baby unit without a referral from a health professional?

Healthcare professional must refer

Is contraception free on the NHS prescription in England or do I have to pay?

Contraception free

Do I need to be registered with a GP to go to an urgent treatment centre?

No GP or address

Do I have to tell the DVLA if my ADHD medication affects my driving?

Must tell DVLA

Can I get sunscreen on prescription if I have lupus?

On prescription

Do I have to pay for prescriptions if I have type 1 diabetes?

Yes, all medicines

Who can I complain to if I'm unhappy with my optician and don't want to speak to the practice?

Local ICB

Who can register as sight impaired and how do I do it?

Local authority

How long do I need to stay off work with whooping cough if I'm on antibiotics?

Off work 48 hours after antibiotics

Does an NHS dentist have to give me a written treatment plan for Band 2 treatment?

Band 2 or 3 plan

Does calling 999 always mean an ambulance will be sent?

Not always

My 8 year old broke her glasses. Can I get help with the cost of replacing them on the NHS?

Under 16s

how long after a hypo can I drive again

45 minutes

Can I pick up my mum's prescription from the pharmacy for her? What do I need to know about her?

No single NHS line

is epilepsy a disability

No single NHS line

Is hospice care free in the UK or do I have to pay?

Free

Matches the NHS Differs from the NHSUnconfirmed