Allergy Pens for Schools

EpiPen and Jext for Schools

EpiPen, Emerade and Jext are emergency treatments for anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions). They are all injector pens containing the active ingredient epinephrine (adrenaline).

Change in legislation

From October 2017, state schools have been permitted to purchase and hold spare adrenaline pens on site for use in cases of anaphylactic shock, requiring emergency administration. These are cases where the student’s own adrenaline pen is either unavailable or not functioning.

Schools purchasing adrenaline pens such as Emerade, Jext and EpiPen for this purpose do not require a prescription to do so.

You can read the guidance from the Department of Health here.

Named persons responsible for administering the treatment should be trained on how to do so. If your school has not already found a training provider, the Anaphylaxis Campaign has set up the AllergyWise for Schools initiative, which provides training and resources. Visit their website to find out more.

The guidance from the Department of Health states that school staff members cannot be required to assume the responsibilities of administering emergency adrenaline treatment. However, it is vital in cases of anaphylaxis that treatment is administered without delay (so the more staff members trained to administer adrenaline where needed, the better).

AAI doses

There are two doses of AAI available to buy from our site: 

• the 150mcg (or 0.15mg) dose is for use in children weighing less than 30kg;
• the 300mcg (or 0.3mg) dose is for use in children weighing over 30kg (and in adults).

When you place an order

Please note that before we can send your order, you will need to supply us with a signed letter from the headteacher or principal (or equivalent person) in your school or institution.

This letter must:

• be on school letter-headed paper;
• contain a statement from the headteacher, principal or equivalent person saying that they wish to order adrenaline pens for use in their school or institution;
• specify what purpose the pens are being ordered for; 
• specify the name (Emerade, EpiPen or Jext), dose (150mcg or 300mcg), and quantity of adrenaline pen(s) required;
• and be signed and dated by the principal, headteacher or equivalent person.

An example letter can be found on page 26 of the Department of Health guidance, available here.

If you have this letter ready, you will be able to upload a scanned copy when placing your order with us.

Alternatively, you can post a paper version to us at the following address:

HR Healthcare

Unit 18, Britannia Way

Waters Meeting

Bolton

BL2 2HH

If you don't have this letter ready, you can still place your order. However, you will still need to provide this letter before we can send your pens.

Our customer care team will contact you after you have placed your order to confirm your request, or provide any assistance required.