Following a change in legislation effective from 1 October 2017. Schools are now permitted to purchase AAIs without a prescription for emergency use. However, this is not mandatory—schools may choose whether or not to hold spare devices.
Managing serious allergies in school settings requires clear protocols, confident staff and quick access to emergency medication. Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) are life-saving devices that must be readily available—and every school should understand the latest legal and practical guidance on their use.
This page provides key information for headteachers, school staff, SENCOs, safeguarding leads and local authorities to ensure your setting is prepared to respond quickly and safely to anaphylaxis.
Under Regulation 238 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, anyone—including school staff—can administer adrenaline in an emergency to save a life, even without formal medical training.
This life-saving exemption ensures that nobody is denied emergency treatment in a situation that could not have been anticipated.
Schools can legally purchase spare AAIs without a prescription for use in emergencies.
The original intent was for use only in pupils with a known allergy who have medical authorisation and written parental consent.
Updated clarification confirms: schools may also use a spare AAI in exceptional emergencies where a child or adult has a severe allergic reaction without a prior diagnosis or known allergy.
Children with a known allergy should always have two AAIs with them during the school day, including trips and outdoor activities. This protects against device malfunction or the need for a second dose.
AAIs must be stored in a location that is clearly marked, easily accessible within five minutes, and never locked away. All staff should know where the devices are kept to ensure there’s no delay in treatment during an emergency.
Younger pupils should have a dedicated emergency kit held by staff—not locked away.
Older students are encouraged to carry their own AAIs, with school oversight.
Spare AAIs must be stored in a central, accessible location that staff can reach within 5 minutes—never in a locked cupboard or remote area.
Any staff member can administer an AAI in an emergency. While allergy and anaphylaxis training is valuable, it’s not a legal requirement for AAI use.
Designating multiple staff members for AAI administration.
Providing annual anaphylaxis and AAI training for all school staff.
Displaying AAI guidance in key locations, including staff rooms and classrooms.
Yes. Schools across the UK—including maintained schools, academies, independents, and maintained nurseries—can legally purchase spare devices. In Northern Ireland, this applies to grant-aided and independent schools.
Submit a request on headed paper to a pharmacy.
Choose devices based on the brand most commonly used by their pupils (usually EpiPen® or Jext®).
Expect to pay around £80 per device.
This ensures that every school is prepared to save a life, even when a reaction occurs for the first time.
Primarily for pupils with known risk, medical authorisation and written parental consent.
In exceptional circumstances, for any child or adult presenting with an unexpected anaphylactic reaction—even without prior consent or diagnosis.
Lives depend on fast, confident action. Having clear policies, properly trained staff, and easy access to adrenaline can make the difference between life and death. The recent clarification from the MHRA confirms what many already believe: in a crisis, it’s always right to act. If in doubt, give adrenaline.
