Settlement Guide: How allergies are managed in Australian Schools

School Kids

School Kids

Sending a child with allergies and anaphylaxis to school can worry many parents, especially for those newly arrived in Australia, who may not know the existing systems and guidelines.


Australia has one of the highest food allergy rates in the world. According to the Food Authority of NSW (New South Wales), food allergies now affect one in 10 babies and about two in 100 adults in Australia.

Whensending a child with allergies or anaphylaxis to education and treatment, parents are obliged to provide information about the child's condition, including a plan of action.

TheAustralasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action Plan is a medical document, which provides clear, evidence-based information to recognise and manage allergic reactions.
Thedocument must be completed and signed by the attending physician or nurse practitioner.

Parentsare also required to administer any medications outlined in the action plan.

Schoolswill have “emergency kits” for individual students with allergies, containing their action and treatment plans.

Agood idea is to record the expiration date of the drug, since a student may not be able to attend activities and visits if the drug is out of date.

InAustralia, you don't need a prescription to get an adrenaline injection, Epipen or Anapen. But buying it this way can be expensive, costing about $75-$100 for an injection.


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