Strep Throats swabbing to prevent Rheumatic fever

​Sore throats left untreated can cause Rheumatic FeverTamariki at risk of developing rheumatic fever from a sore throat can be swabbed at community pharmacies listed belowTamariki are at risk of developing rheumatic fever if they are aged between 3-19 years, have a sore throat and have one of these criteria:

• are Maori or Pacific
• live in high-risk areas (most of the Eastern BOP,  Greerton and Gate Pa in Tauranga)
• live in over-crowded housing
• have a family history of rheumatic fever 

Your pharmacy can provide a throat swab with the help of  parents/guardians of children aged 3-19 with a sore throat and one of the above risk-factors.
These pharmacies are able to provide antibiotic treatment for sore throats of high-risk tamariki and/or others in your home aged 3 years or older.  If the swab is positive for strep then we can also swab and treat household contacts 3 years and above.