Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve allergy awareness in (1) educational, and (2) health care, settings.

In 2020, health education became statutory in schools. As part of the health and prevention topic, pupils are taught the facts and science relating to allergies, immunisation and vaccination.

For 95% of allergy patients, their condition can be managed by primary or other non-specialist allergy services, such as with routine therapies and advice. The Royal College of General Practitioners have developed an online resource to support continuing professional development and revalidation, which aims to educate and improve awareness amongst general practitioners about the various presentations of allergic disease.

To raise awareness among patients, carers and healthcare professionals on the use of Adrenaline Auto-injectors (AAIs), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency conducted a communications campaign to improve the safe and effective use of AAIs. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence promotes guidance on a range of allergies, including food allergy in those aged under 19 years old, anaphylaxis and drug allergy online and through newsletters and other media. While this guidance is not mandatory, health and care commissioners are expected to take them fully into account.