Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes sudden allergic reaction to an allergen. Anaphylaxis is potentially life threatening and always requires an emergency response.

This section has been developed to assist school staff to support students at risk of an anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylaxis and allergy procedures for schools

Implementation of the procedures is mandatory for government schools and their preschools.

The procedures outline the steps schools need to follow to manage the needs of students who have been diagnosed as being at risk of a severe allergic reaction.

Where allergies are identified the Anaphylaxis and allergy procedures for schools (PDF 255 KB) outline action steps that are required.

Forms and letters for use by schools to support the action steps (Appendices 1-3)

• Appendix 1: Students with allergies
• Appendix 2: Authorisation to contact doctor
• Appendix 3: Allergies – information from the health professional

Translated documents

You can also access Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 in various community languages:

• Students with allergies – translated documents
• Authorisation to contact doctor – translated documents

Additional support information

The Anaphylaxis and allergy procedures for schools is supported by the following information in this website section:

• Anaphylaxis emergency care
  
• Anaphylaxis training
• Minimising the risk of exposure to allergens
• Frequently asked questions

Related information

Allergy and anaphylaxis management within the curriculum P-12 procedures (PDF 531.78KB)

Legal Issues Bulletin No. 52 outlines the legal rights and responsibilities to a government school student who is diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis

Health and Safety - Anaphylaxis (intranet) for information about anaphylaxis training, risk management and general use adrenaline injectors.

Anaphylaxis checklist for workplace managers (PDF) – developed to help schools meet their responsibilities under the Anaphylaxis and Allergy Procedures for Schools.

The National Allergy Council, a partnership between the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunilogy and Allergy (ASCIA) and Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, has developed the Allergy Aware Resource Hub, a website which provides links to best practice guidelines, supporting resources and other evidence-based resources for schools and children's education and care services.

Allergy Aware resource Hub for Schools

Allergy Aware Resource Hub for Children's Education and Care Services

National Allergy Council Best practice guidelines for anaphylaxis prevention and management in schools