Heading Back to School can be both exciting and a little nerve racking, especially when your child has severe allergic reactions to flying insects. Here are some tips to help you get prepared.
- Be proactive – meet with your child’s board certified allergist before school starts. He/she will be able to review proper usage of your child’s epinephrine auto injector (EAI), evaluate dosage and prescription for their size/age, and make sure their records are up to date. Your allergist may also suggest Venom Immunotherapy (VIT) if your child’s allergic reactions are severe.
- Complete the proper health care plan and/or authorization forms. In most cases the parent and the child’s doctor or allergist will need to sign them. Contact your child’s school to get copies of the forms and have them completed early so teachers and staff can be prepared.
- Have questions for your child’s school? Now’s the time to ask! Who on staff handles allergy emergencies? Does the school stock EAI’s? What happens if my child can’t remember how to use their EAI? Is their teacher trained? Write down your questions and meet with the school nurse and your child’s teacher to get them answered.
- Walk the playground or other area’s your child might encounter flying insects. Discuss them with your child and bring up any areas of concern to school staff.
Need help finding a VIT provider? Click here for more information.