Two new emergency treatment options will become available in Victorian schools to aid students at risk of anaphylaxis.
Education Minister Ben Carroll announced the two new services will soon become available in Victoria, including Australia’s first needle-free adrenaline nasal spray, giving families and schools more choice when managing severe allergic reactions.
“Every parent deserves to know that when they drop their child off at a Victorian government school, they will be safe and supported,” Mr Carroll said.
The new training will give parents peace of mind that school staff are prepared to respond quickly and safely in the event of an anaphylaxis emergency.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency treatment with adrenaline and can be triggered by insect stings and foods such as nuts, dairy and seafood.
Currently, two injection-based adrenaline treatment options, Epipen and Anapen, are available in Victoria.
From 2026, two additional treatment options will be introduced – the Neffy adrenaline nasal spray device and the Jext adrenaline autoinjector, expanding the range of life-saving treatments available to families and schools.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s approval of the first adrenaline nasal spray marks a significant advancement in the treatment of anaphylaxis, particularly for children who may be anxious about needles.
Victorian schools with an enrolled student at risk of anaphylaxis must ensure staff are appropriately trained in anaphylaxis management.
Training workshops will run in term one and term two to upskill school staff in the use of all four emergency treatment options, ensuring schools are fully prepared ahead of the new devices becoming available. School staff in the independent and Catholic school sectors will also be able to register.
This training will support schools to update their anaphylaxis policies and procedures and continue to safely manage students during an anaphylaxis emergency.
“Anaphylaxis symptoms can appear suddenly and deteriorate extremely quickly, which is why it is critical that teachers and school staff know how to administer these life-saving emergency treatments to children,” Mr Caroll said.
“We are ensuring our workforce is equipped to manage whatever treatment option families decide is best for their child.”
Families wanting to learn more about the new anaphylaxis treatment options, including when they’ll be available, should speak to their GP or visit the Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website.
