Antibiotic prescribing by GPs in England fell by 17% during the first 12 months of Covid without the usual winter increase

New research by Antibiotic Research UK hints at scale of over-prescribing in normal times

Antibiotic Research UK commissioned an analysis of new antibiotic prescription data ahead of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), 18–24 November, and European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD), 18 November.

Key findings include:

• During the first 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-February 2021), antibiotic prescribing in general practice in England fell by 17% compared to the previous 12 months
• The fall hints at the scale of over-prescribing in normal times which increases the risk of antibiotic resistance
• Prescribing remained steady throughout the year without the winter peak seen in normal years
• Data reveals geographical localities of greatest reduction as well as others where prescribing rose