Strep A: new UK protocols issued as pharmacists cope with penicillin supply

Rise in infections across the UK has led to patients being offered alternative antibiotics to meet demand

Five new serious shortage protocols (SSPs) have been issued to pharmacists in an attempt to offset penicillin supply issues caused by the rising number of strep A infections across the UK.

The government introduced SSPs for three penicillin medicines earlier this week and has now increased the total to give pharmacists the flexibility to supply an alternative antibiotic or formulation of penicillin.