Pharmacist Rapid Response Sore Throat Swabbing and Treatment Service is now available through selected Pharmacies in the BOP area:

The Bay of Plenty Pharmacy Group is pleased to announce that 34 Pharmacies across the BOP DHB area are now providing Rapid Response Sore throat swabbing and treatment services for the management of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis. This service is part of the BOPDHB’s plan to reduce the incidence of Rheumatic Fever by two thirds in our area by increasing access to free, rapid, effective sore throat management through a combination of rapid response, general practice and school-based services. Community Pharmacies across the region from Waihi Beach, Katikati, Omokoroa, Tauranga, Te Puke, Kawerau, Edgecumbe and Opotiki including several extended hours pharmacies will greatly improve access to these services.

Pharmacies will provide eligible patients with fully subsidised ( free to the patient ) , no appointment necessary throat swabbing and antibiotic treatment in accordance with the National Heart Foundation Guidelines for sore throat management (2014) under a Standing order. Pharmacies will identify patients or accept referral of children and young people aged 4 to 19 years that are symptomatic with a sore throat and eligible household contacts aged 3 to 35 years. (as per the National Heart Foundation of NZ guidelines)

Pharmacies will work closely with other health professionals involved in these patients care and provide patients and their whanau with education about the importance of early treatment of sore throats and the link with prevention of Rheumatic fever.

Please see attached the list of the Pharmacies who provide the free service.