Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

A shortage in penicillin across the United Kingdom has now led to the UK Government enacting more serious shortage protocols this morning.

The UK Government has issued five new serious shortage protocols this morning (December 17) as stock levels for penicillin continue to dwindle in the face of continued Strep A cases. The news comes as many pharmacists have admitted to running very close to running out of the antibiotic.

Serious Shortage Protocols (SSP) are a potential way to help pharmacies manage any serious shortages of medicines that may occur, without needing to refer patients back to prescribers. The demand for penicillin after the outbreak of Strep A across the country has risen five-fold, a senior health official told the

Strep A: Government issue five new serious shortage protocols as demand for penicillin rises ahead of Christmas