Anaphylaxis is a severe, sudden allergic reaction when a person is exposed to an allergen.
The most common allergens in school-aged children are eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (for example cashews), cows' milk, fish and shellfish, wheat, soy, certain insect stings and medications.
Registered schools have a responsibility to students they know, or ought reasonably to know, have been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis.
This includes having a policy for managing anaphylaxis, in accordance with:
We have prepared a checklist to help schools assess their anaphylaxis policy against the department's guidelines and the Ministerial Order:
For more information on anaphylaxis, see:
You can also contact the Royal Children's Hospital Anaphylaxis Advisory Line on 1300 725 911.
See also: