Mercury Bay Pharmacy provides funded throat swabbing for rheumatic fever prevention as part of a Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora sore throat management programme for eligible patients.

If you have a sore throat, our pharmacist may be able to perform a throat swab to test for Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) bacteria.

Why get a throat swab?

A common cause of sore throats is Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infection.

• Strep A infections can often be treated with antibiotics

• Early treatment may help reduce the risk of rheumatic fever

• Rheumatic fever can cause serious health problems including damage to the heart valves
  

Treatment if the test is positive
If the throat swab indicates Strep A infection, treatment may be recommended.

In some cases, the pharmacist may be able to prescribe or supply antibiotic treatment, such as amoxicillin, in accordance with programme guidelines and clinical assessment.

It is important to take the full course of antibiotics if treatment is prescribed.

Who is eligible for this service?
You may be eligible if you:

• Are aged 3–19 years and have symptoms of a sore throat, or

• Are aged 3–35 years and live in a household where someone is being treated for Strep A infection or rheumatic fever

Visit us for a throat swab
If you or your child has a sore throat, visit Mercury Bay Pharmacy and speak with one of our pharmacists to see whether you are eligible for the funded throat swabbing service.

No appointment is required.