Morning After Pill (Emergency Contraception)
Is this service right for me?
A safe, confidential service for anyone aged 16 and over. Here’s how it works and who it suits.
| Your situation | Details | What we’ll do |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable Aged 16+ after unprotected sex | Or after a contraception failure — a split condom, missed pills | Complete the online consultation; the pharmacist reviews it promptly |
| Same day Need it today | Effectiveness decreases with every day that passes | Come in-store — the pharmacist goes through the same questions in a private consultation room. Saturdays are in-store only |
| Declare first Taking medication, allergies or digestive disorders | Some medicines interact, and absorption issues can matter | List everything on the consultation form — it’s exactly what the pharmacist checks |
| Speak to us Already taken it this cycle, or possibly pregnant | It can’t be taken twice in one menstrual cycle, and won’t affect an existing pregnancy | Talk to the pharmacist or your GP about the right option instead |
The medication itself is free, NHS-funded. You only ever pay for delivery — or nothing at all if you collect. See costs.
How the morning after pill works
Emergency contraception works mainly by delaying ovulation — which is why speed matters so much. Taken within 12–24 hours it is very likely to prevent pregnancy; it remains most effective within 72 hours, and can still have an effect up to five days after unprotected sex. If you have already ovulated this month it may not work, and it will not affect an existing pregnancy.
Two licensed morning-after pills exist, and which is right for you depends on timing and your medical circumstances — that’s what the pharmacist’s review decides. Take the pill with water without chewing, and note the time: if you vomit within three hours you may need another dose, so ask us for advice. Side effects, where they occur, are usually mild — fatigue, nausea, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness or changes to your next period. Trouble breathing or facial swelling needs emergency care immediately.
Two honest reminders: the morning after pill offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections — we offer free, confidential chlamydia screening kits if you have any doubt — and it isn’t designed to be a regular method. If you find yourself needing it often, we’re happy to talk through ongoing contraception options, without judgement.
How the service works
Three steps, built around your privacy.
| Stage | Details | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Online consultation | A short medical form — allergies, medications, timing | Or walk in and the pharmacist asks the same questions in person |
| 2 · Pharmacist review | A qualified pharmacist checks suitability promptly | Your details (name, date of birth, postcode) let us claim the NHS funding for you |
| 3 · Discreet delivery or collection | Plain, unmarked packaging, delivered next working day by 1pm — or collect in-store the same day | Order online by 2pm, Monday to Friday; on Saturdays come in-store |
Please double-check your name, date of birth and postcode on the form — errors delay your delivery because they hold up the NHS funding claim.
What it costs
The medication is funded by the NHS via Surrey County Council — you never pay for the pill itself.
| Service | Price | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Morning after pill | Free | NHS-funded — we claim it using your name, date of birth and postcode |
| Next-day delivery (by 1pm) | £12.99 | Order by 2pm, Monday to Friday — plain unmarked packaging |
| Collect in-store | Free | 124 Frimley Road, Camberley — same day, in a private consultation room |
Emergency contraception is supplied following the pharmacist’s consultation — a consultation may occasionally lead to a different recommendation instead.
How it works
Fill in the online form
A few confidential medical questions — it takes about five minutes.
Pharmacist review
Prompt review and an honest decision on the right option for you.
Delivered or collected
Next working day by 1pm in unmarked packaging, or same-day collection in-store.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly do I need to take it?
As soon as possible. Within 12–24 hours it’s very likely to prevent pregnancy; it’s most effective within 72 hours and can still have an effect up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If today is day one, come straight in-store rather than waiting for delivery.
Is it really free?
Yes — the medication is NHS-funded via Surrey County Council. You only pay the £12.99 next-day delivery fee, or nothing if you collect from the pharmacy. We just need your correct name, date of birth and postcode to claim the funding.
Can I get it in person instead?
Of course — visit us at 124 Frimley Road, Camberley (Monday to Saturday). The pharmacist will go through the consultation questions with you in a private room. On Saturdays, in-store is the only same-day option.
What are the side effects?
Usually mild and short-lived: fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headaches, breast tenderness or an earlier/later, lighter/heavier period. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking it, contact us — you may need another dose. Breathing trouble or facial swelling needs emergency help immediately.
Does it protect against STIs?
No — it only helps prevent pregnancy. If there’s any chance of an infection, ask us about our free, confidential chlamydia screening kits or local sexual health clinics.
What about ongoing contraception?
The morning after pill is an emergency measure, not a regular method. If you’d like to talk through reliable ongoing options, our pharmacists will help — no judgement, no lecture.
Rated by 1,200+ patients of our Camberley pharmacy and clinics.
GPhC registered pharmacy 1105418 · Superintendent pharmacist Jirina Thielens (GPhC 2069634).
This guide follows UK national health guidance (NHS) and was last reviewed in August 2026. Recommendations can change — your consultation always reflects the latest advice.
Need emergency contraception?
Free NHS-funded morning after pill — online with discreet delivery, or same-day at VSM Pharmacy Camberley.
Start Online Consultation