School Tools: Anaphylaxis & Food Allergy Resources for Professionals
Children with asthma often have comorbid allergic disorders, such as food allergy and anaphylaxis. Those with both food allergy and asthma have higher rates of food-induced anaphylaxis and may have higher risk for severe asthma.
Optimizing care of co-morbid allergic disorders can lead to improved outcomes and allow for safe, productive learning experiences. This requires collaborative efforts between families, clinicians and school nurses.
Many approaches advocated in SA3MPROTM to improve asthma care can also be applied to children with anaphylaxis and food allergies. Three keys components for integrating schools and school nurses within an anaphylaxis and food allergy care team include:
1. A circle of support amongst families, clinicians and school nurses can help improve care.
2. Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Plans should be developed and provided to schools. This includes an individualized, written Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan and epinephrine autoinjectors for use in case of severe allergic reactions. Please keep in mind that children who have both asthma and these comorbid conditions should have BOTH an individualized Asthma Action Plan and an Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Plan.
Anaphylaxis Action Plan - Fillable PDF AAAAI does not assume responsibility for how these documents are utilized. Consult with your practice’s IT resources for recommendations on document storage, transmission and HIPAA compliance.
Anafilaxia - Plan de acción para emergencias (Anaphylaxis Action Plan) - Formulario PDF Rellenable La AAAAI no asume ninguna responsabilidad sobre cómo se utilizarán estos documentos. Debe consultar los recursos apropiados de tecnología de la información sobre almacenamiento de documentos, transmisión electrónica y cumplimiento de HIPAA.
AAP plan + accompanying guidance document:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
Wang J, Sicherer SH; SECTION ON ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY. Guidance on Completing a Written Allergy and Anaphylaxis
Emergency Plan. Pediatrics. 2017 Mar;139(3). pii: e20164005.
AAP Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan in English »
AAP Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan in Spanish »
3. A comprehensive Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Education plan for school personnel to minimize the risk of food allergen exposure and ensure preparedness to treat anaphylaxis.
Wang J, Bingemann T, Russell AF, Young MC, Sicherer SH. The Allergist’s Role in Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Management in the School and Childcare Setting. J Allergy Clin Immunol Practice. 2018 Mar-Ap: 6(2):427-435
CDC voluntary guidelines for managing food allergies in schools and early care and education centers
Additional Resources
AAAAI videos
Food allergies, asthma and bullying
Tips to manage food allergies in schools
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and National Association of School Nurses Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis in School during COVID-19 »