MHRA to Let Schools Stock Adrenaline Nasal Spray

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has opened a public consultation that could let schools keep spare adrenaline nasal sprays for allergy emergencies. The consultation, which runs until 14 December, follows the agency’s decision to consider allowing schools to purchase and store these sprays alongside or instead of the current policy that permits spare adrenaline auto‑injectors. The MHRA says the aim is to improve rapid access to life‑saving treatment for children at risk of anaphylaxis.

About 8 % of children and young people in the UK have a food allergy, and around one in five serious reactions happen in schools. In fact, roughly 20 % of all severe food‑allergy incidents occur while children are at school. These figures underline why school staff need quick and reliable emergency medication.

Why schools need extra options

The product at issue is the EU‑approved EURNeffy adrenaline nasal spray. Schools would be able to choose to stock auto‑injectors, sprays, or both, with all existing safeguards remaining in place to restrict use to children known to be at risk and to require trained staff.

Health ministers and MHRA officials have welcomed the proposals. James Frith, Minister for Health, said that giving schools another response option could save lives, and the agency’s Executive Director, Julian Beach, noted that the spray would provide an additional treatment choice. Allergy UK’s Amena Warner added that a needle‑free device would ease anxiety for children and give parents more confidence.

The consultation seeks comments from schools, teachers, health professionals, parents and anyone interested in improving access to emergency treatment. The MHRA stresses that schools are not required to buy any specific brand; the proposal is a flexible framework to keep emergency supplies ready for those who need them.