Yes, I suspected that distrust in doctors and vaccines (re: needles) is a big part of the reason for the uptick. Bicillin is a butt shot rather than a pill and it requires several dosages over time to be effective. I’m sure the doctors office charges $100 for the wellness checkup on each visit. (and $100 for the $0.10 shot)
That said, there have been shortages of the drug in general which is a huge problem.