Covid funding has changed from 1st July 2024 and is no longer funded.
In General Practice we have previously been able to provide free appointments for eligible patients with Covid.
From 1st July, all appointments and prescriptions (antivirals) for Covid care will now be charged at our normal rate. Please follow this link to have a look at our fees. https://www.taupohealth.co.nz/faq/
The nationwide Covid Healthline number is being removed, people should instead call the general Healthline number: 0800 611 116. This number is free and available 24/7.
Covid antivirals continue to be available for eligible patients. These can be prescribed here by a GP via a telephone appointment ($19.50) or from Unichem pharmacies. Taupō Unichem Pharmacies can provide medications without a GP prescription. These websites have information on eligibility for Covid-19 antivirals. https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/covid-19/antiviral-medicines/
While we are not a RAT collection site, free RATS are still available in NZ until the end of September 2024. Your nearest collection site is Mainstreet Pharmacy on 51 Tongariro Street.
Covid vaccinations continue to be free. Aside from us, find your other local vaccinator provider here: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/lakes/?covidTesting=im%3A1295965
Up to date information on eligibility and timing of Covid vaccines is available here: https://info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/covid-19-vaccines/getting-covid-19-vaccines/
Need a same day/urgent appointment? If you don’t already have an appointment, and think you need to be seen, please call and we will add your name to our GP call back list for a phone call back that day. For any health emergencies please call 111.
Immunisations? Please call us to make an appointment.
Symptoms of COVID-19? Please call us to discuss, and don’t come in without phoning first.
For Covid-19 health advice call 0800 611 116 anytime
If you need urgent medical help, call 111 and tell them you have Covid-19.
Thank you everyone for your support and understanding while we continue to keep our community safe.
Kia kaha.
What to expect:
When you have a positive test, please report the result of your test on your MyCovid Record. Call 0800 222 478 if you are unable to report it on the app, choose option 3 to register your test result. You will also be sent a notification by the Ministry of Health via text message. The text message will include an online link to complete a self-assessment, this includes your health, welfare needed and contact tracing. You will need to enter the access code they send you to access the site. If you do not fill in the form within 24 hours you will be contacted.
You are no longer required to self-isolate. However, we recommend you isolate for 5 days, even if you only have mild symptoms. Take a RAT if you, or someone in your household develops symptoms.
Isolation Rules:
Main Symptoms:
If you have any of these symptoms, monitor and talk to your nurse if concerned.
Any shortness of breath while resting or talking must be discussed with a nurse as soon as possible. If you are unable to catch your breath or talk then please ring 111 and get an ambulance.
Follow the below links for advice on how to self-manage during a COVID-19 infection.
https://covid19.health.nz/advice/i-have-covid-19
COVID-19 Care at home – Health Navigator NZ Adult
COVID-19 Caring for your child at home – Health Navigator NZ Children
COVID-19 Mental Wellbeing – Health Navigator NZ
Information on how to test yourself with a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT):
Video on how to test yourself with a RAT test: