History-based penicillin allergy de-labelling (consultation)

We would welcome your comments on the draft History-based penicillin allergy de-labelling document and the associated Equality and Health Impact Assessment (EqHIA) form.

About 6% of the UK general population have a penicillin allergy label on their record. Evidence shows that more than 90% of patients labelled with a penicillin allergy are not allergic to penicillin when formally assessed. In many cases the allergy label may be due to an adverse reaction that occurred during a course of penicillin in childhood. In addition, many patients’ reactions to penicillin occurred over 10 years ago and details of the reaction are not recalled. Furthermore, in up to 80% of patients, sensitivity can be lost, and individuals can become tolerant to penicillin after 10 years. There is increasing evidence that incorrect penicillin allergy labels can result in patients receiving suboptimal alternative antibiotic treatment and this may lead to worse outcomes.

This guidance is relevant to all registered healthcare professionals and can be used to support identification of people who have a very low risk of having a true penicillin allergy, for whom it is safe to remove the penicillin allergy label based on history alone. The resource includes practical materials such as patient information leaflets, an assessment template, posters, letter templates and allergy cards.

The document, associated EqHIA form and feedback form can be accessed below.

Closing date: Friday 6^th February 2026