Severe Allergy Management
If your child has severe allergies, it is important to communicate pertinent information regarding your child’s health status and care with your school nurse. Your school nurse will develop an Individualized Healthcare Plan and an Emergency Action Plan for your child, if needed. This plan will be shared with school staff on a “need to know” basis. You play a vital role in the process of developing a school plan that is best for your child.
Here is how you can help:
- Make sure you complete the School Nurse Health Information Card (Emergency Card) each school year and include the following:
- Your child’s health problems (what is your child allergic to, and how severe is the reaction?)
- All possible emergency contact phone numbers– make sure to keep numbers current if changed during the school year!
- All the medicine your child takes (include any home medications)
- The name and phone number of your child’s doctor
- Make sure a current Parent Information For Medications and Medical Procedures Doctor’s Orders is on file with the school nurse for any medications that need to be given at school.
- Make sure your child follows their plan of care at home. It is very important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully, especially what time of day and how much medicine your child should take. Don’t let the prescription run out! If you have trouble paying for your prescription, notify your school nurse to see if he or she can find a resource to help you.
- If the health care provider has written a specific Allergy Action or Emergency Plan, please make sure the school nurse has a copy.
- If your child has a food allergy and is going to eat school lunches, make sure you discuss this with your child's teacher, the cafeteria manager, and the school nurse. You may wish to provide a picture of your child with information about his/her specific food allergies.
- If you would like for your child to self medicate and/or self monitor (this allows your child to carry the emergency medication on school property), please have the health care provider complete the Self Medication/Procedure Doctor's Order form and return it to the school nurse.
Please feel free to contact your school nurse if you have any questions or concerns.