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<p>No assessment has been made. The increased demand for the antibiotics prescribed
to treat Strep A in Winter 2022 meant that some pharmacists were unable to supply
the medicine shown on the prescription. To make things easier for patients, pharmacists,
and general practitoners, we issued serious shortage protocols (SSPs) for penicillin
medicines, which allowed pharmacists to supply an alternative medicine without the
need for the patient to return to their prescriber.</p><p>At the request of the Pharmaceutical
Service Negotiating Committee, we have granted a number of concessionary prices for
antibiotics where pharmacies have not been able to purchase products at or below the
Drug Tariff NHS reimbursement price. This has helped to ensure overall pharmacy contractors
are paid enough for the medicines they dispense.</p><p>We have provided advice to
primary and secondary care on the management of supply issues affecting antibiotics
for the treatment of Strep A, including direction to supply alternatives, as set out
in the SSPs, if necessary.</p><p>We are continuing to work with the UK Health Security
Agency and NHS England to coordinate any further communications to healthcare professionals
advising on availability of antibiotics, if needed.</p>
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