As the school gates swing open, parents and teachers alike find themselves in a whirlwind of preparation. Among the chaos of new uniforms and timetables, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) offers critical advice to safeguard children’s health as they return to school.
From managing asthma inhalers to ensuring vaccinations are up to date, here’s what you need to know.
Ensuring Safe Use of Medicines and Devices
Returning to school is a busy time, but it’s also a vital opportunity to ensure that children’s medicines and medical devices are safe and ready for use. The MHRA stresses the importance of taking stock of essential items like asthma inhalers and adrenaline autoinjectors, which many children rely on daily.
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, highlights,
“It’s crucial to make sure children’s health is as best protected as possible. Taking a moment to check the safety and availability of their medicines can prevent significant health issues during the school year.”
Childhood Vaccinations
With diseases like measles and whooping cough on the rise, the start of the school year is a prime time to review your child’s vaccination records. The MHRA assures parents that vaccines in the UK are thoroughly tested and monitored, providing robust protection against these diseases.
- Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before approval.
- The MHRA continues to monitor vaccine safety post-approval.
- Parents are encouraged to use the MHRA Yellow Card scheme to report any side effects.
Ensuring that your child is up-to-date with their vaccinations not only protects them but also helps prevent outbreaks in the school community.
Managing Asthma at School
Asthma can be particularly challenging during the school year, especially with the winter season approaching. The MHRA advises parents to check that their child’s inhalers are in date and to ensure they have both their preventer and reliever inhalers ready.
Additionally, it’s essential to inform the school about your child’s asthma. Schools should know where the reliever inhaler is kept and have a plan in place for managing asthma attacks. If an inhaler does not have a dose counter, keeping track of doses manually is critical to avoid running out at a crucial moment.
The NHS England #AskAboutAsthma campaign offers helpful resources for parents and schools, making it easier to manage asthma effectively during the school year.
Safeguarding Against Anaphylaxis
For children with severe allergies, carrying two adrenaline autoinjectors at all times is non-negotiable. The MHRA emphasizes that these should always be within easy reach, especially at school.
Teachers and staff must be trained to use adrenaline autoinjectors and should be aware of each child’s specific allergies.
In the event of an allergic reaction, speed is of the essence.
The MHRA advises,
“If anaphylaxis is suspected, AAIs should be used without delay, even if there is doubt about the severity of the event. Dial 999 immediately, and if necessary, administer a second dose after five minutes.”
Back-to-School Medicines Checklist
Medicines and Devices |
Actions |
|---|---|
| Asthma Inhalers | Check expiry dates, ensure both preventer and reliever are available. |
| Adrenaline Autoinjectors | Ensure two are always on hand, check expiry dates, inform school staff. |
| Vaccinations | Confirm vaccinations are up to date. |
| Medicines | Review dosage instructions and side effects, report issues to MHRA. |
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the new school year involves more than just packing bags and buying stationery. Ensuring that your child’s medicines and medical devices are safe, up-to-date, and ready for use is essential for their well-being.
By following the MHRA’s advice, parents and schools can help create a safer environment where children can thrive academically and health-wise.
As Dr Alison Cave aptly puts it,
“A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and safe start to the school year.”
Sources: THX News & Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
