MHRA consults on allowing schools to stock adrenaline nasal sprays

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a UK-wide consultation on proposals to allow schools to keep spare adrenaline nasal sprays on site for emergency use. This would provide an additional option for schools to support children at risk of life-threatening allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, alongside the adrenaline auto-injectors they are already permitted to hold.

With approximately 20% of serious food-related allergic reactions occurring in school settings, the proposal aims to increase rapid response capabilities. Under the suggested guidelines, schools could choose to stock auto-injectors, nasal sprays, or both. Existing safeguards would remain in place, ensuring that emergency adrenaline is only administered by appropriately trained staff to children known to be at risk.

Health Minister James Frith MP stated that providing schools with more ways to respond to severe reactions could be life-saving. The consultation will remain open for eight weeks, inviting feedback from parents, school staff, healthcare professionals, and the general public.