Allergy Anaphylaxis
School Nursing
Allergy Anaphylaxis
In this section there is all forms and resources available for caring for students with anaphylactic allergies to anything.
Anaphylaxis is a chronic condition affecting 5%-10% of the children in the United States. It can be serious and life-threatening, but it can also be controlled. Symptoms of allergies can be mild, severe, or fatal, regardless of previous reaction.
There are 8 foods that account for 90% of all food-allergic reactions. These are: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, etc.), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Other common allergens include insect stings and latex.
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan (AAEAP)
- What it’s for: Provides clear instructions on how to recognize and respond to an allergic reaction, including steps to manage anaphylaxis.
- Who writes it: The student’s doctor, with input from the school nurse and parent/guardian.
- Note: The AAEAP also includes the medication authorization required for epinephrine or other prescribed medications.
- Distributed to all "need-to-know" staff, including teachers, aides, and other personnel responsible for the student’s care.
Individualized Health Care Plan (IHP)
- What it covers: - Describes how allergy and anaphylaxis care will be managed at school. It is written using the nursing process, which includes assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Who writes it: School nurse for the school nurse
- Important: An IHP must be written for delegation to occur.
Medication authorization form: a form required before medication can be stored, administered, or carried by a student. This form must be submitted to the school every year and must be signed by a parent and healthcare provider. The current AAEP includes the medication authorization within the document.
Utah Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines 2024
Utah Standards of care: Allergy and anaphylaxis management in the school setting
Epinephrine treatment infographic- Allergy & Asthma Network
NASN Allergy and Anaphylaxis Toolkit (Membership required)
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
Online anaphylaxis training first, bring completion certificate to the school nurse for hands on epinephrine administration competency check off.
Department approved education programs to train:
Epinephrine administration videos
Standing order for stock epinephrine
As of August 2024, stock epinephrine can be obtained through a standing order. The details of the standing order are still being finalized. If your school does not have a medical provider to complete the prescription, please contact Sami Bushnell at samanthabushnell@utah.gov for assistance with the process.
Stock epinephrine request information
To obtain stock epinephrine, please provide the following details:
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School name and address
Include the full name of the school and its mailing address. -
Preferred source for epinephrine auto-injectors
Indicate which program or source you would like to use:- Local pharmacy (out-of-pocket cost may apply).
- EpiPen4Schools free program: Provides up to 4 free EpiPens per school. Visit www.epipen4schools.com for more information.
- neffyinSchools free program: Provides two cartons (four single-use doses) of nasal epinephrine Neffy for emergency use. Visit www.neffy.com/community-programs for more information.
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Quantity needed
Specify the number of epinephrine auto-injectors or Neffy doses your school requires. -
Type of epinephrine product needed
- EpiPen: For individuals approximately 66 pounds and greater.
- EpiPen Jr.: For individuals 33 to 66 pounds.
- Neffy: Nasal epinephrine for individuals 66 pounds or greater.
Please ensure all information is accurate to expedite the process.
Stock epinephrine auto-injectors
Utah law 26B-4-406 (5(a) requires all schools (primary or secondary, public, and private) to stock at least 1 emergency epinephrine auto-injector for use in a “person exhibiting potentially life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis.”
Storage of stock epinephrine
Stock epinephrine auto-injectors must be stored in a secure but easily accessible location that remains unlocked. The location should be known to the school nurse and all designated school staff authorized to administer the medication in the nurse’s absence.
Free stock epinephrine programs
Epipen4schools
A free program that will provide up to 4 free EpiPens for each school. More information can be found at https://www.epipen4schools.com/
Note: There are two auto-injectors in each EPIPEN 2-PAK or EPIPEN JR 2-PAK
EPIPEN JR Auto-Injector to deliver 0.15 mg of epinephrine injection for individuals 33 to 66 pounds
EPIPEN Auto-Injector to deliver 0.3 mg of epinephrine injection for individuals approximately 66 pounds and greater
neffyinSchools
All public and private K-12 schools in the U.S. will be eligible to receive two cartons (four single-use doses) of the new nasal epinephrine neffy for free to use in emergency situations. Please note that Neffy is for adults and children who weigh 66 lbs or more.