Cost-Effective Strategies to Manage Food Allergies at Summer Camps

Summer camp is an exciting time for children, but for those with food allergies, it can also be a source of anxiety for parents. Recent research from UVA Health highlights practical and affordable options to ensure children with food allergies stay safe during their camp experiences. The study emphasizes that having a supply of stock epinephrine—such as autoinjectors kept on-site—can be a highly effective and economical strategy compared to relying solely on children to bring their own devices. Dr. Kathleen A. Noorbakhsh, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist, explained that quick administration of epinephrine during anaphylaxis significantly improves outcomes, making stock supplies valuable even in the camp environment.

The research analyzed various strategies, including stock autoinjectors, nasal sprays, nurse-administered epinephrine, and camper-provided autoinjectors, using a hypothetical group of 10,000 children. Findings suggested that most residential camps would benefit the most from stocking two twin packs of epinephrine autoinjectors and advising campers to leave their personal autoinjectors at home, at an estimated cost of about $4.33 per camper. This approach proves most cost-effective, especially for large camps or those with many children with food allergies.

For camps with fewer children or low allergy prevalence, allowing campers to bring their autoinjectors may remain the best option. The increasing availability of lower-cost epinephrine options and evolving regulations make stock epinephrine a feasible and potentially more widespread solution in the future. The study underscores the importance of tailored strategies for differing camp sizes and resources.

Ultimately, Dr. Noorbakhsh hopes this analysis guides camps in adopting safety measures suited to their specific needs, promoting preparedness and safeguarding children's health. The research, published in Pediatrics, serves as a valuable framework for camps, families, and policymakers to optimize allergic emergency responses and protect vulnerable children during summer activities.