Peak body for immunologists changes guidelines as evidence shows up to 90% of those reporting allergy don’t have one

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The majority of Australians who report a penicillin allergy are not truly allergic, prompting the peak body for immunologists to change its guidelines in a bid to reduce hospitals stays and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Penicillin, one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in Australia, was thought to cause allergies in 10% of Australians, or about 2.8 million people.