Jill Smith

ASCIA guidelines for prevention of anaphylaxis in schools, pre-schools and childcare: 2015 update

The aim of these guidelines is to assist staff in school and childcare settings to plan and implement appropriate risk minimisation strategies, taking into consideration the needs of the allergic child, the likely effectiveness of measures and the practicality of implementation. Although these guidelines include risk minimisation strategies for allergic reactions to insect stings or bites, latex and medication, the major focus relates to food allergy. This is due to the higher relative prevalence of food allergy in childhood (compared with other allergic triggers) and the higher likelihood of accidental exposure in these settings. Care of the allergic child in the school, pre‐school or childcare settings requires accurate information obtained from parents and carers, staff training in the recognition and management of acute allergic reactions, planning for unexpected reactions (including in those not previously identified as being at risk), age appropriate education of children with severe allergies and their peers, and implementation of practical strategies to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to known allergic triggers. Strategy development also needs to take into account local or regional established legislative or procedural guidelines and the possibility that the first episode of anaphylaxis may occur outside the home. Food bans are not recommended as the primary risk minimisation strategy due to difficulties in implementation and lack of proven effectiveness.

ASCIA guidelines for prevention of anaphylaxis in schools, pre-schools and childcare: 2012 update: ASCIA anaphylaxis prevention guidelines

Appropriate management and prevention of anaphylaxis in the school, pre‐school and childcare settings requires advanced planning and communication. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy has developed Guidelines for Prevention of Anaphylaxis in Schools, Pre‐schools and Childcare to assist school, pre‐school and childcare staff in appropriate implementation of risk‐minimisation strategies. Risk‐minimisation strategies recommended take into consideration the needs of the allergic child; effectiveness of measures; stresses on parents and staff, the allergic child and their peers; and the implications of the recommended risk‐minimisation strategies. These Guidelines address risk‐minimisation strategies for food, insect and medication allergies; however, the majority of strategies relate to food allergy due to the higher risk of exposure in these settings. Training in recognition of allergic symptoms (including anaphylaxis), appropriate response and treatment, as well as how to prevent exposure to known allergens are essential for effective anaphylaxis management in the school, pre‐school and childcare settings.

P54: PREVENTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD ALLERGY: IMPLEMENTING NEW ASCIA GUIDELINES FOR INFANT FEEDING

PREVENTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD ALLERGY: IMPLEMENTING NEW ASCIA GUIDELINES FOR INFANT FEEDING S Vale, J Smith, M Said, P Joshi, K Allen and R Loh National Allergy Strategy, Sydney, Australia Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), Sydney, Australia Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, Sydney, Australia The Childrens Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia Centre for Food & Allergy Research (CFAR), Victoria, Australia Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth, Australia

ASCIA-P18: ASCIA PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO INTRODUCE SOLID FOODS TO INFANTS

Learning to eat  Learning to eat takes time, so be patient with your infant.  Offer your infant foods that are the right texture for their developmental stage.  Infants should move from smooth foods at around 6 months but not before 4 months to cut up foods at around 12 months.  Finger foods should be introduced around 8-9 months of age.  Aim for your child to be eating healthy family meals by 12 months of age where possible.  Infants with food allergies may take longer to get used to eating new foods and new textures of foods.  If your infant does not seem interested in eating or trying new foods, wait a few days and try again.  If your infant is having lots of feeding problems discuss this with your child health nurse, doctor or dietitian.