People with a food allergy or who have had a previous severe reaction (anaphylaxis) to anything should have a written plan, describing clearly what they should do if they have a reaction.  This should be completed by your doctor or allergy professional.

This plan should be reviewed every year, to check that the names and doses of medicines are correct, and that it includes a blue inhaler if you have one.

The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have published an allergy plan template that can be completed online and printed, with different versions depending on whether you have been prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector, and which one you have.

Your allergy clinic may have their own version. The BSACI one has the advantages of being in colour, it also includes (in very small print) parental authorisation for a school to administer an autoinjector (technically not legally required of course, but might overcome hesitancy), and a comment about having autoinjector in hand luggage on a plan. It also includes a link to the Spare Pens in School website. But it doesn’t emphasize carrying your medication at all times, and doesn’t allow for a second dose of antihistamine unless you vomit the first one.

The plan should list the different signs and symptoms of a reaction, and make it clear which signs and symptoms should alert you to the possibility of a severe reaction.  It should then give clear advice on whether you can give medicine and wait for things to get better or whether you should be using your adrenaline autoinjector (if you have one) and phoning 999.

The plan should ideally stay with your allergy medicines and your child, wherever they go.  You may need copies for other people who help look after your child, for instance grandparents, child minders, nursery and school, after school care. Getting your plan laminated can help it stay legible!

Schools may also want to have a written document that details what extra precautions are necessary in the school environment or on school trips.

Allergy plans are also available from the Epipen and Jext websites, for families who have those adrenaline autoinjector devices.