What is the single most useful thing I can do about antibiotic resistance?

Use antibiotics only when they are genuinely needed, and take them exactly as prescribed. Ask your GP or pharmacist whether an antibiotic will actually help before starting one.

What you can do

What you can do about antibiotic resistance

Everyone has a part in keeping antibiotics working. Find the actions that fit you, then take the pledge.

Scope: Actions here are general information for an Australian audience, not medical, veterinary or legal advice for your specific situation.

For the public and patients

Use antibiotics correctly, and take the pledge

Only use antibiotics when they are genuinely needed, take them exactly as prescribed, and return leftovers to a pharmacy. Ask your GP or pharmacist whether an antibiotic will actually help.

For parents and carers

Know when a child or older person really needs antibiotics

Most childhood coughs and colds are viral and settle on their own. For older people in your care, watch for signs of serious infection and keep vaccinations up to date.

Antibiotics and children

For pet owners

Use antibiotics responsibly for your pets

Give animal antibiotics only as your vet directs, complete the course they specify, and never use human antibiotics or leftovers on a pet. Ask your vet whether an antibiotic is needed.

Preventing resistance

For farmers and producers

On-farm stewardship

Australia has some of the most conservative rules on farm antibiotics in the world. Work with your veterinarian, use antibiotics only where needed, and prioritise animal health and biosecurity to reduce disease.

Australia's response

For healthcare professionals

Stewardship resources

Antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals, general practice, aged care and veterinary settings is central to slowing resistance. Signposted clinical resources and stewardship guidance are being built out across the site.

For policymakers

Policy brief and evidence pack

Australian data and a clear governance map support policy and funding decisions. Our statistics and Australia's-response pillars gather the evidence in a citable form.

Take the antibiotics pledge

A public commitment

Join Australians committing to use antibiotics only when they are needed. The pledge asks for no personal details: it is a commitment to yourself, and a public signal that these medicines are worth protecting.¹

References

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. AURA 2023. ACSQHC, Sydney, 2023.