Patient Information

Patient Information

Allergy New Zealand website

Kids Health - Allergy (developed by Paediatric Society of NZ and Starship Foundation)

Allergen Labelling Guide

Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) website provides the following information:

• Anaphylaxis Action Plan
• Generalised Allergic Reaction Action Plan
• General Patient Information on Range of Allergy Topics
• Food Allergy Information for Patients/Parents
• Cow’s Milk Allergy Information for Parents

Prevention of Food Allergy

Parents may be interested in how they can prevent food allergy in their child. The following summarises the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) position:

• Breast feed for at least 6 months or longer.
• If breast feeding is not an option, and there is a history of allergic disease in the infant’s parents or siblings, give a partially hydrolysed formula (usually labelled “HA” or "Hypoallergenic") if a formula is required – there is no subsidy or special authority for this. If there is no family history, a standard formula can be given.
• Soy or other mammalian milks (e.g., goat’s milk) are not recommended for allergy prevention.
• Solids can be introduced from 4 to 6 months of age.
• Introduce one food at a time every 2 to 3 days (give foods the family usually eats).
• There is no evidence to support delaying introduction of potentially allergenic foods (e.g., eggs, nuts, wheat, fish) to prevent allergy.
• Standard cow’s milk can be introduced after 12 months of age.