A bill that would allow schools in Connecticut to stock emergency medication for severe allergic reactions has been referred to the Appropriations Committee.
Kids who are diagnosed with severe allergies get parental and medical authorization to keep life-saving epinephrine at school. School personnel are authorized to administer epinephrine in the case of a severe reaction.
State Representative Kim Rose of Milford said the new proposal is aimed at protecting kids who may not know they're at risk. She said, "It's a danger that they could go into anaphylactic shock while at school without getting any kind of attention."
That's because EpiPens at school are labeled as patient-specific, and nurses can't administer epinephrine without authorization. Under the new proposal, schools could stock undesignated epinephrine for anyone who needs it, and give it to someone experiencing a first severe reaction at school.
More and more children are being diagnosed with food allergies. Peanuts, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat are the most common culprits. Unlike a food intolerance, allergies are triggered by the immune system. A severe anaphylactic reaction can constrict air pathways leading to suffocation.
EpiPens cost on average $90.00 to $120.00 per two-pack, and must be refilled each year.
