Charity gets allergy guidelines into schools

Food allergy is increasingly common in New Zealand and it is estimated that two students in every classroom will be affected.

With these growing numbers, both preschools and schools have a responsibility to educate their staff in the prevention, recognition and first aid treatment of allergic reactions.

Allergy New Zealand is releasing updated guidelines which provide reliable, evidence-based information on managing severe reactions. The charity will be distributing these free to all schools in New Zealand during the month of November. 

“Children with severe allergies can, and do, participate safely in all school activities where sound policies and procedures are in place. However with no guidance from the Ministry of Education, in many cases we find schools and parents are searching for the right information and sometimes coming into conflict. This can actually increase risk for the children concerned” says Allergy New Zealand’s Chief Executive Penny Jorgensen.

These guidelines promote partnership, collaboration and communication.

The ‘Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines for Early Childhood Services and Schools’ include practical information on the effective daily management of children with allergies. For example, how schools can minimise the risk of a child having an allergic reaction, recognising a reaction and treating it.
The guidelines focus on anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction, as it is life-threatening and must be treated promptly with adrenaline.

Dr Jan Sinclair, paediatric immunologist and allergy specialist at Starship Children’s Hospital who reviewed the guidelines, says; “It is essential that all early childcare centres and schools are prepared to provide care for children at risk of severe allergic reactions. This necessitates having systems in place to ensure all staff know the children at risk, and that staff can recognise the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and know what to do,” she says.

“The Allergy New Zealand guidelines provide a vital resource for early childhood centres and schools as they assist with ensuring all appropriate precautions are in place.”

In addition, Dr Sinclair says, New Zealand has seen the launch of two new adrenaline auto-injector devices this year, so it is essential that early childhood services and schools review their own education to ensure they are up-to-date.

School staff should also be informed of recent changes to anaphylaxis action plans; clinicians now recommend laying the person with anaphylaxis flat and then administering adrenaline. This facilitates blood flow to the heart.

The ‘Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines for Early Childhood Services and Schools’ will be officially launched in Auckland on Wednesday 9th November.

Previously, Allergy New Zealand has charged a small fee for its resources to cover costs. However, thanks to donations from Link Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, Sovereign Sunshine and MedicAlert, copies will be sent to New Zealand schools for free.

Hard copies of the guidelines can also be purchased from Allergy New Zealand. Visit www.allergy.org.nz for further information.

Allergy New Zealand is a national charity that provides support, advocacy and information for people living with food allergies, anaphylaxis and other allergies or allergic conditions.