While many pharmacies will remain closed between Christmas Day and Monday, December 29, a number will open for limited hours to provide essential medicines and health advice to those in need.
Pharmacy staff will be available to support patients who are unwell or require urgent assistance during the festive period.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, executive medical director at NHS Mid and South Essex, said: "Community pharmacies can support you with advice and medication for many common health conditions, including antibiotics, if necessary.
"Pharmacists are qualified health professionals that can help advise you on treatment options or direct you to health services that can help if you need extra support.
"If you need help on Christmas Day and over the festive period, some pharmacies in our area will be open.
"The best way to find an open pharmacy near you is to use the NHS 'find a pharmacy' service on the NHS website."
The service allows users to quickly locate nearby pharmacies and access up-to-date information on opening hours, contact details, and available services.
Patients are encouraged to check the NHS website before visiting to avoid unnecessary travel.
As part of the Pharmacy First scheme, some pharmacists can also supply prescription-only medicines for seven common conditions, such as sore throats, sinusitis, and earache in children.
For urgent medical needs, people are advised to use NHS 111 online or call 111, which is available 24 hours a day.
In an emergency or life-threatening situation, 999 should be called immediately.
Adults experiencing a mental health crisis can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option at any time.