Food Allergy Action Month: How to Create an Allergy Action Plan

May is Food Allergy Action Month! Traditionally celebrated as Food Allergy Awareness Week since 1998, as of 2015 the month of May has been declared as the Food Allergy Awareness Month by the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). The aim is to educate the general public about food allergies and to motivate people to take action in support of those who suffer from food allergies.

In honor of Food Allergy Action Month, we’re highlighting some essential steps to creating a well-thought-out allergy action plan. If you, your child, or your loved one suffers from food allergies, read on and take some notes. Here is how you create an allergy action plan.

Start with a Template
Why recreate the wheel? FARE has created a terrific template to get your food allergy and anaphylaxis action plan started. Starting with a template is a great way to ensure you don’t miss any important steps or information. Check out FARE’s website to download their food allergy and anaphylaxis emergency care plan.

Create an Emergency Contact List
Who are the people you, your child, or your loved one is closest with? Who will need to know immediately if they experience a serious allergic reaction? These are the questions you need to think about when you are creating your allergy action plan.

Create a list of emergency contacts who understand the allergies, the medications and how to administer them and signs/symptoms to pay attention to. It is also important to be sure this person in comfortable handling the situation should an incident arise, so it is advised that you ask them first before adding them to the list.

Compile a Medication List
When listing medications, be sure to list how to administer them. If you’re unsure or don’t quite remember how the medication should be administered, consult you or your child’s doctor. It is also important to be sure to list any allergies to medications.

Review with a Medical Professional
Before you distribute your allergy action plan it is important to review it with you or your child’s doctor. Consulting a medical professional will ensure no critical information is missing, as well as checking that all the information you provided is accurate and up to date. Send your allergy action plan to your doctor with plenty of time for them to review in case of any necessary edits.

Give to Whoever Needs to Know
Now that you have your allergy action plan, who do you distribute it to? Providing a copy to your employer, gym, and team of medical staff is essential. Be sure to provide a copy of your child’s allergy action plan to their school’s principal, your child’s teachers, as well as the school counselors. Don’t forget any daycare or child sitting service you might rely on.

It is also good practice for the person with allergies to carry a copy of the allergy action plan on them at all times.

Creating a food allergy plan can be a daunting task if you’re not quite sure how to handle it. With this list, and with help from your medical professional, you can be confident in your ability to create a detailed allergy action plan to prepare yourself for any situation.



If you are unaware of any food allergies you may have or are looking for a new physician in the Houston, Texas area, contact Campbell Medical Clinic today.