ASCIA guidelines for prevention of food anaphylactic reactions in schools, preschools and child‐care centres

Abstract

These guidelines have been developed by the anaphylaxis working party of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy to provide advice for minimizing the risk of food-induced anaphylaxis in schools, preschools and child-care centres. The guidelines outline four steps for the prevention of food anaphylactic reactions in children at risk and food policy measures specific to school age and preschool age children.

A workshop with practical training for anaphylaxis management improves the self-efficacy of school personnel

“…2 School personnel are required to be familiar with food allergies, and an action plan for allergic emergencies should be developed for every school. 4,5 Adrenaline is regarded as the first-line therapy for anaphylaxis. Nowak-Wegrzyn et al 2 have shown that this drug has been administered to children in almost 15% of accidental cases in schools.…”

Management of Food Allergy in the School Setting

“…For example, an "allergen-aware" table should include the child's friends who are eating safe meals. Experts have not espoused blanket "bans" on foods, 32 particularly because peanut butter, milk, egg, and other common allergens may be a protein staple of another child's diet. In rare instances, individual schools or classrooms might pursue these options.…”

The parent‐reported prevalence and management of peanut and nut allergy in school children in the Australian Capital Territory

“…The management of allergy and anaphylaxis to peanut is outlined in the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy guidelines 5 where parents are encouraged to take their child to a doctor to confirm a diagnosis of peanut allergy and have an anaphylaxis action plan in place.…”