Antibiotic consumption by New Zealand children: exposure is near universal by the age of 5 years

This study showed high rates of antibiotic use in New Zealand children under the age of 5 years. On average each child received almost two antibiotic courses each year. The rate of antibiotic use was considerably higher than those in many other developed countries. While differences between nations in rates of socioeconomic deprivation, and in age structure, and other factors no doubt have contributed to higher rates of antibiotic dispensing in New Zealand, inappropriate prescribing also plays a significant role.