Allergy Information
Whether your child has a peanut allergy or seasonal allergies, we want to know about it! Food allergies affect approximately 4% of school-aged children and that 1 of 5 students with food allergies will have a reaction while at school. I have constantly heard people say "when I was in sixth grade, no one had a food allergy." While there are many different theories as to why allergies are on the rise, my main focus is ensuring your child remains safe while at school.
For students with severe allergies, we ask that parents complete the Annual Allergy Survey form so that we have a better understanding of your child's allergy and how to properly prepare for their care. This is completed by a parent.
The Emergency Action Plan Form and the Medication Authorization Form are required for those students who will need to have emergency medications (i.e. epinephrine or Benadryl) kept at school. This form is completed by a physician and a parent.
Things to know:
All staff members are trained on the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and how to properly inject an Epi-Pen auto-injector.
While students have the option to carry their emergency medications, I have found that keeping them in the health office is a good central location that can easily be accessed in the event of an emergency. These medications and emergency action plans are kept in an unlocked cabinet, where each student has their own box, with their name and grade clearly affixed.
Any time an Epi-Pen is given to a student, 911 is immediately called, even if parents have been notified and are on their way to the school. This is for the child's safety.
Did you know that up to 25% of students who have a severe and potentially life threatening reaction at school have no previous know food allergy? For that reason, all of the schools in the district are equipped with undesignated Epi-Pens should this even arise.
While the idea of peanut-free lunch tables may provide comfort to parents, they often give the feeling of being left out to those children affected by food allergies. A main role for school nurses is to educate students about their allergies and how to avoid triggers wherever they may be; this includes the school lunch room. Younger students are still encouraged to sit with their classmates and with the aid of the lunchroom supervising staff, ensure they are safe from any triggers of their allergy. As students get older, independence is encouraged and students are asked to self-advocate for themselves in avoiding allergens.