Implementation and barriers to stock adrenaline auto‐injectors in French secondary schools

Abstract

To the Editor, Data from many countries suggest an increase in hospital admissions for anaphylaxis, particularly in children and related to foods. 1 In children, around 10% of anaphylaxis cases occur at school with 20% to 40% of these cases occurring in children without any prior food allergy. 2,3 Prevention policies, legislation, and school staff training are crucial to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis and improve the quality of life of allergic children at school. In 2021, an international panel of key stakeholders provided practice guidelines on the prevention and management of allergic reactions to food in schools and suggested that stock undesignated adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI) should be available on-site. 4 In 2022, a review of the United States (US) stock AAI policies reported a significant variation in state legislation in whether states allow or mandate school stock AAI, and differences in state AAI procurement, administration, training, and liability. 5 Few data on stock AAI implementation and barriers are available, coming mostly from the US.