Sore Throats

Sore throats can lead to a broken heart

Why do sore throats matter?

A sore throat can cause rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a serious and preventable illness that can cause permanent heart damage.

Every time your child has a sore throat take them to your nurse or doctor straight away.

What is a sore throat clinic?

A sore throat clinic makes it easier for at-risk children and young people to get their sore throats checked and treated.

At a sore throat clinic you can get your sore throat checked on the same day and received FREE antibiotics if you need them.

Who is this for?

  • Maori and Pacific children and young people aged 4 - 19 years
  • 4- 19 year olds living in areas with the highest measure of neighborhood deprivation NZ Deprivation Index Quintile5
  • 3 - 35 year old household contacts (with a sore throat) of someone who has been treated for a strep throat infection.

Sore Throat Clinics

Rotorua

Western Heights Health Centre, 1 Brookland Rd

Phone 07 347 0565

Rotovegas Youth Health, Location 6, Te Ngae Rd  (for 15-24-year-olds only)

Phone 07 343 1013

Taupō

Anamata Cafe, 129 Spa Rd

Phone 07 376 0098

Tūrangi

Pihanga Health, 28 Rangitautahanga Rd

Phone 07 384 7576

Current Rapid Response Services

  • All secondary school health services across Lakes District Health Board
  • Youth One Stop Shops in Taupō and Rotorua
  • Primary Care (free under 18 year olds in Rotorua and Tūrangi)
  • Rapids Response school clinics in Western Heights, Rotorua and surrounding schools
  • Western Heights Community after hours clinics and home visiting (Rotorua)
  • Rotorua and Taupō Emergency Department
  • Lakes Prime Care, Rotorua

All under 13s are free but only some provide free 0 - 18 year olds free


For other information about where to get your child's sore throat checked for free:

Phone: Healthline 0800 611 116 or click here.

Email: rheumatic.fever@lakesdhb.govt.nz