Schools

My child has severe allergies

Having a child, of any age, with severe allergies can be stressful for both the parents and the child themselves – particularly when they start school. As children get older, they will gradually begin spending more time outside of the home, so you won’t always be able to keep a watchful eye on them. Every parent wants their child to learn to live life independently, but this loss of control can be understandably anxiety-inducing.

In 2017, the law was changed: the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 now allows schools to obtain, without a prescription, “spare” adrenaline pens for use in emergencies, if they so wish. “Spare” adrenaline pens are in addition to any adrenaline pens a pupil might be prescribed and bring to school. The “spare” adrenaline pens can be used if the pupil’s own prescribed adrenaline pens are not immediately available.

“My 9-year-old son, Osian, has several severe allergies, including allergies to peanuts, wheat and eggs. Managing his condition has become a full-time job. When we found out he had allergies, it was like a bomb was thrown into our lives – we have to think about it every day, remain constantly vigilant, and work closely with his school to keep him safe. We do our best to ensure he can live life to the full despite his condition.”

- Sarah Pattison, Pontypridd, Wales, mother to a child with severe allergies

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From a young age, it's important to teach children with allergies about their condition, what to do if they begin feeling poorly, and how to use their adrenaline pen. But it’s also essential to make those around them – extended family members, friends, babysitters, and teachers – are aware of the allergy and how to respond in case of a reaction.

The Ready2React first report reveals that 68% of parents with children who have severe allergies say it impacts their school attendance.*

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It’s important to work closely with your child’s school to ensure staff are equipped to support them.

Your healthcare provider should give you an Allergy Action Plan. This is a medical document filled in by a healthcare professional containing detailed instructions about what to do in the event of anaphylaxis and how to administer the adrenaline pen. Ensure that your child’s school has an up-to-date copy of your child’s Allergy Action Plan.

It’s important to get your child into the habit of carrying their own two adrenaline pens every day as not every school in the UK will have an adrenaline pen onsite. It is always recommended that for all adrenaline pens, patients should register for the expiry alert service and replace their pens before they go out of date.

For more advice on how to support a child with allergies, visit: Allergy School

If you’re a teacher and would like to find out how to better support children with allergies, visit: Allergies at School

* Ipsos survey for Viatris, April 2023 (n=200 UK AAI users/carers).

UK-NON-2025-00018 April 2025