Life-Threatening Allergies in School

Life-Threatening Allergies

• Food Allergies currently account for 6-8 % of the school aged population.

• Tiny amounts of an allergen may present a life-threatening risk for allergic students.

• Major Food Allergens: Peanuts, Tree nuts (almond, brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia nut, pecan, pine nuts, pistachio and walnuts), milk, egg, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish account for 90% of food allergies.

• Nation-wide, peanut and tree nuts account for 92% of the severe and fatal allergic reactions.  Insect stings, medication and latex account for the remaining 8% of severe and fatal reactions.

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Allergy Management Plan

Webster Central School District is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. The district follows the anaphylaxis policies and guidance for managing allergies and anaphylaxis in schools developed by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Recognizing the increased prevalence of life threatening allergies among school populations, the district has focused on allergy awareness and works closely with parents/guardians, students, and health care professionals to minimize the risk of exposure. Providing a safe school environment that involves the collaboration of parents, providers, students, and school personnel using the guidelines per Public Health Law §2500-h.

All students have the right to safe access the educational benefits our school district provides. WCSD provides reasonable accommodations to ensure the safety of our students.  However, as the world is not allergen-free, neither are schools.  It is the District's goal to assist students in becoming knowledgeable and independent with their health needs, including life-threatening allergies. WCSD will make accommodations consistent with the student's age and maturity level.  Students should be completely independent in recognizing and avoiding their allergens by the time they enter middle school.

Parents/guardians of students with life-threatening allergies are expected to:

• Inform the school nurse of your child’s allergies prior to the opening of school. (or soon after a diagnosis)

• All allergies must be verified by a physician or a licensed provider (Nurse Practitioner-NP or Physician’s Assistant-PA). 

• Complete and provide all required medical documents and medications to the school nurse.

• Work with the school nurse to develop a plan and any necessary accommodations.

• Teach your child to recognize symptoms of an allergic/anaphylaxis reaction.

• If student has a food allergy, teach the student not to share food, drinks, or utensils.

• Teach the importance of handwashing before and after eating.

• Provide documentation of any changes in allergy status or procedures for a student care while in school. 
   

Students with life threatening allergies are expected to:

• Develop a relationship with the teacher and school nurse who can assist in identifying issues related to the management of the allergy in school. 
• Carry their epinephrine auto injector if student has a self carry order.
• Use proper hand washing before and after eating throughout the school day.
• Notify an adult immediately if the student believes they have been exposed to an allergen of which they are allergic to. 

Public Health Law 3000c allows school districts to train unlicensed professionals in the use of an epinephrine auto-injector device for emergency treatment for students experiencing anaphylactic symptoms Training courses approved by the NYSDOH are available for any unlicensed professionals choosing to be trained to administer an epinephrine auto-injector in an emergency situation. 

For more information on Managing Allergies and Anaphylaxis in Schools please contact your school nurse. 

 

Links

Anaphylaxis
How to Use an EpiPen
How to Administer Auvi-Q 
How to Use Adrenaclick Auto Injector
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
Bee Sting Allergies