For Schools

You know you need spare AAIs, but how do you actually work out how many your school should have?

With schools now required to have arrangements in place for allergy safety, one question school staff may be asking is: how many EpiPens or other adrenaline auto-injectors should we actually have on site?

Unfortunately, there isn't a set number that works for every school, that would be too easy. The amount of emergency medication a school needs can depend on several factors, including the type and size of the school and how quickly staff can access the devices in an emergency.

How Many EpiPens Should Schools Have?

First, it is important to understand the difference between prescribed AAIs and spare emergency AAIs.

Prescribed AAIs for Pupils

If a pupil has been prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) for a severe allergy, they should have two in-date devices available at school at all times.

Having two devices is important

With the new school year underway, schools in England need to make sure their allergy safety arrangements are up to date under the Department for Education's Allergy safety in schools statutory guidance. This includes checking emergency adrenaline auto-injectors, replacing expired or used devices, and making sure staff know what to do in an emergency.

What Are the Latest Rules for Schools?

Whole-School Allergy Policy

Schools will now have to publish their own standalone allergy safety policy. The old rules meant it could be hidden within a general medical conditions policy. This must be owned by a named senior leader, reviewed at least annually, and published (e.g. on a school website).

Individual Healthcare Plans

For pupils with allergies that have a functional impact or require specific arrangements.

Training