Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction when a person is exposed to an allergen. The most common allergens in school-aged children are eggs, peanuts, treenuts (e.g. cashews), cow's milk, fish and shellfish, wheat, soy, certain insect stings and medications. The key to prevention of anaphylaxis is avoidance of any known triggers.

If your child has been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis, you should inform your child’s school as early as possible. It is important to make sure the school is aware of any foods or items that should be kept away from your child. The school will then work with you and your child’s doctor to develop prevention strategies and an Anaphylaxis Management Plan.

To assist in this process you should provide the school with copies of an Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action Plan for your child, with up to date photographs. You must also supply your child’s EpiPen®. You may also have your child wear a medical warning bracelet to indicate allergies.

The Department has developed Anaphylaxis Guidelines (PDF - 1.3Mb) to assist in planning for and supporting students with anaphylaxis.

Schools have in place prevention strategies, based on these guidelines, for in-school and out-of-school settings. School staff also regularly undertake training in recognising and responding appropriately to an anaphylactic reaction, including EpiPen® training.

More information

For more information, see: Anaphylaxis.

See also:

• Factsheet – Managing Anaphylaxis in Victorian Government Schools (PDF - 122Kb)
• Anaphylaxis Australia - Living with Anaphylaxis: Schools (http://www.allergyfacts.org.au/livingwith.html#schools)
• Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) (http://www.allergy.org.au/)
• Royal Children’s Hospital Department of Allergy and Immunology (http://www.rch.org.au/)