Allergies and Anaphylaxis

While FISD cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment at school, the district is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the safety of every child who has allergies.

Allergic reactions can cause a wide range of symptoms. The most severe and potentially life-threatening is anaphylaxis. The most common causes of anaphylaxis in children are:

• Food allergies (most commonly - peanuts, tree nuts, dairy products, soy, wheat, shellfish, fish, eggs, sesame)
• Insect Stings
• Medications
• Latex

At the beginning of each school year, parents/guardians are required to bring the student's medication(s) along with an FISD Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EPI-PEN) Orders to the school nurse.

Students who are at risk for developing anaphylaxis are entitled to carry and self-administer their anaphylaxis medication (epinephrine auto-injectors) while at school or a school event (TEC 38.015) if they have met the requirements below:

• The medication and the self-administration must be authorized by a licensed healthcare provider and documented on the FISD Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EPI-PEN) Orders. 
• The student must have a current FISD Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EPI-PEN) Orders on file with the School Nurse.

The Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in consultation with the legislated SB-52 Ad-Hoc Committee developed the Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies at Risk for Anaphylaxis.  It is found on Allergy and Anaphylaxis from Texas DSHSTexas Department of State Health Services Allergies and Anaphylaxis website.