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Paediatric Allergy Clinical Network

Allergies affect over 1 in 5 tamariki in Aotearoa — early diagnosis and care can transform their long-term health and wellbeing.

About the Network

The Allergy Clinical Network is currently in a transitional phase. After consultation with the Allergy Special Interest Group, it has been decided to temporarily pause network activities. However, members of the Special Interest Group remain active, providing peer support and leading educational forums for a national multidisciplinary audience.

Plans to reactivate the Allergy Clinical Network will be revisited in the future. In the meantime, we acknowledge and thank the Co-Chairs and network members for their significant contributions in strengthening allergy care and education in Aotearoa.

Clinical Resources and Guidelines

Education and training for health professionals

Whānau Resources

Allergy series - part 1

(Streamed live on Feb 8, 2023)

Watch part 1 of the Whānau Āwhina Plunket live chat allergy series - expert advice about starting solids and food allergies. Paediatric dietician Helen Norrish joins the kōrero with Makere from PlunketLine. 

This video covers the following topics (at the following times):

  • starting solids (0:30) and starting solids (20:35)
  • introducing iron-rich foods (2:00)
  • introducing allergen foods (3:30)
  • preparing and cooking food for babies (4:55 and 22:45)
  • breastfeeding (8:20)
  • advice for parents if their child has a food allergy (11:30)
  • constipation when starting solids (16:57)
  • where to get support (15:05 and 27:45)

Allergy series - part 2

(Streamed live on Feb 22, 2023)

Watch part 2 of the Whānau Āwhina Plunket live chat allergy series - expert advice about food allergies. Nurse practitioner Pauline Brown joins the kōrero with Makere from PlunketLine. 

This video covers the following topics (at the following timings):

  • how to identify an allergic reaction (1:30)
  • what to do if your child has an allergic reaction (4:40)
  • when to test for allergies in children (11:20)
  • best methods for allergy testing and tests to avoid (19:05)
  • getting support from the GP and dietitians (23:10)
  • eczema and food allergies (28:10)
  • resources and websites with more information (37:45)

KidsHealth, supported by the Paediatric Society of New Zealand, is the go-to source for whānau seeking trusted child health information and resources.

Here are some links to relevant pages on the KidsHealth website:

Allergy in Children

Calcium Needs For Children With Cow's Milk Allergy

Top Tips On How To Include Calcium Foods

Resources for Patients, Families and Carers

Ensure that the family obtains and is instructed in the use of an autoinjector. Currently only EpiPen®s are available in NZ. See adrenaline autoinjector ordering information.

Advise the family in respect to ACC claims for anaphylaxis. Refer to https://www.allergy.org.nz/education/anaphylaxis/acc-claims/ for more information.

Free anaphylaxis information is available from ASCIA in a number of languages including Maori, Samoan, Tongan, Chinese and Arabic. Go there (https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis#ta5) to view and/or download these.

Free anaphylaxis e-training for patients, families and the community is available from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology (ASCIA): http://www.allergy.org.au/patients/anaphylaxis-e-training-first-aid-community

ASCIA also has a checklist for patients transitioning from paediatrics to adult care: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/transitioning-from-paediatric-to-adult-care

ASCIA has an 'oral immunotherapy for food allergy patient FAQ sheet': : Oral immunotherapy (OIT) for
food allergy - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Anaphylaxis management video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=verr18yiOJE

Network News and Updates