Health advice: how to stay feeling good this Christmas and New Year

It’s not long until Christmas and New Year, so NHS Greater Manchester is asking everyone to ‘Get To Know Where To Go’ if you or someone else becomes unwell – helping to keep the festive cheer going.

Check opening times

GP practices and pharmacies will be closing on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th December, then again over the New Year period on Thursday 1st January 2026, so it’s worth checking opening times before you go. You can find Greater Manchester pharmacies’ Christmas and New Year opening times here: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/bankholidaypharmacy/.

With resident doctors planning further industrial action from 17th to 22nd December, and with some staff also affected by the usual winter illnesses and pre-planned annual leave, services will be busier than usual.

Repeat prescriptions

NHS Greater Manchester is reminding anyone who takes regular medicines to make sure they have enough to last through the holiday season and any Christmas getaways. Repeat prescriptions should be requested at least a week in advance, and earlier if this period overlaps a bank holiday.

Every Christmas and bank holiday, NHS 111 sees a large increase in calls from people who have run out of prescription medicine. By being prepared, you can save yourself time and ensure NHS 111 is there for those who really need it during one of the busiest times of year for the NHS.

With flu and other winter illnesses on the rise, alongside planned industrial action, ordering repeat prescriptions early and keeping up to date with recommended winter vaccines will help you stay well during the festive period.

If you do run short of prescription medicine, please still contact NHS 111 for support.

Chief Pharmacist for NHS Greater Manchester, Kenny Li

“It’s important for anyone who takes medication regularly to make sure they have enough to last over Christmas and New Year, especially if you’re planning any trips to see family and friends in another part of the country or abroad. It’s not worth risking running out of essential medication.

“We are already seeing rising flu cases, so having your regular prescription medicines and some simple cold and flu treatments at home will help you stay well and avoid unnecessary visits to NHS services during this busy period. Please still ensure that you’re only ordering prescription medication if you need it so that we don’t risk any shortages.

“Ordering your repeat prescription has never been easier – simply use the NHS App or order as you usually would.”

Stay well this winter

To protect yourself and others:

• Keep cold and flu medicines stocked at home
• Wash your hands regularly and keep them clean
• Let some fresh air in when you have visitors
• Avoid visiting vulnerable people if you’re unwell
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, think about wearing a face mask to help protect others
• Get your winter vaccines if you’re eligible – they offer important protection and help reduce pressure on services

Know where to go for care over Christmas

Contraception:

Many pharmacies can start or continue oral contraception and provide Emergency Hormonal Contraception (‘the morning after pill’), in some cases for free.

Dental care:

If you have pain in your mouth, teeth, or gums, call the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline on 0333 332 3800. It is available 8 am to 10 pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays, for those who need urgent help when their dental practice is closed or do not have a regular dentist. A charge may apply.

Emergency and urgent care:

• Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for non-emergencies
• Call 999 or go to A&E for life-threatening emergencies

Mental health:

For mental health crisis support, call NHS 111 and press 2 for free 24/7 help.

Pharmacies:

Local pharmacies remain an easy and convenient way to get expert advice on minor conditions.

Under Pharmacy First, pharmacists can treat several conditions such as earache (ages 1 to 17 years), sore throats (ages 5 and over), and urinary tract infections (ages 16 to 64 years) without needing a GP appointment.

For full Christmas opening hours visit: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/bankholidaypharmacy/

Urgent eye care:

Greater Manchester’s Urgent Eye Care Service can provide help quickly if you have a sudden change in vision, red or painful eyes, or new flashes or floaters. The service is available throughout the week including evenings and weekends.

Call your local optician to use the service. If they don’t take part in the service, find one that does. This is not a walk-in service, so always call first.

Keep your home warm:

A council-led ECO4 Flexible Eligibility Scheme offers fully funded home improvements such as insulation and boiler upgrades for eligible households. To see if you qualify for this scheme and how to get a grant, visit: www.gmca.retrofitportal.org.uk or call Improveasy on 0800 024 8505.

Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester

“We want everyone to enjoy the festive season, which is why we’re encouraging people to plan for the kinds of minor health issues that often crop up at this time of year.

“Having enough repeat prescription medication, along with a few everyday items like painkillers, plasters, and cold remedies, makes it easier to deal with winter bugs without needing to seek help at short notice. These can all be bought from a local supermarket or pharmacy.

“Getting your recommended winter vaccines is also important, and we’re grateful to staff across the NHS, social care, and the voluntary sector who are working hard to keep services running and people protected during this busy season.

“There’s support available through the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline and the Urgent Eye Care Service if you need it. For all other concerns, use NHS 111 to get the right advice and be directed to the appropriate service. Remember, A&E is for life-threatening emergencies only.”