Check out the latest update on EpiPen® supply constraints in Canada, read our National Food Allergy Action Plan, update and find out who was nominated and who won the 2019 Robyn Allen Leadership Award. If you’re in the foodservice business or planning to cater an event, check out our new page with tips for caterers. Do you have a child who is heading back-to-school? Our tips for back-to-school, including a special offer from MedicAlert Foundation Canada, will help you get ready.
EpiPen update: Supply constraints in Canada
On July 18th, Pfizer Canada, the Canadian distributor for EpiPen®, reported that they may experience supply constraints in the coming months of the EpiPen 0.3 mg dose in Canada.
Pfizer noted that the product is still being shipped to Canada and there is still inventory available across pharmacies. However, out of an abundance of caution, they decided to preventatively manage available EpiPen 0.3 mg supply in Canada through measured national allocation to wholesalers. Read our update for more information on what you need to know.
We are working with Health Canada and other stakeholders on a long-term solution to ensure there is always a minimum of two suppliers of this life-saving medication. Ensuring better access to epinephrine is one of our main priorities in the National Food Allergy Action Plan. Learn more about the plan and the key areas of focus.
We will continue to follow this issue closely and keep you updated.
For further information or questions on the EpiPen supply constraints, please contact Pfizer Canada directly at 1-877-EPIPEN1 (1-877-374-7361).
Advocating on your behalf: National Food Allergy Action Plan
Thanks again for your support and feedback on our National Food Allergy Action Plan.
Since the launch of the plan on Parliament Hill in May, we have continued to engage key stakeholders in government, health care, and food safety. We have also been advocating for government funding to initiate the National Food Allergy Action Plan. Through our 2020 federal budget submission, we are requesting government funding to help mobilize current knowledge that will make a positive impact now and enable further investigation to define a comprehensive approach to the National Food Allergy Action Plan.
We will be bringing our action plan to the next federal election, urging government leaders to make food allergy a public health priority in Canada and drive real change such as ensuring all Canadians have access to a minimum of two suppliers of life-saving epinephrine.
Learn more about the plan and other key areas of focus.
News! Read our latest article that went out last week in the Vancouver Sun – this article is running in some form in various markets across Canada, including the Toronto Star.
Plus, watch for our campaign toolkit to become more involved!
2019 Robyn Allen Leadership Award recipient and nominees
The Robyn Allen Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has made a unique contribution to the lives of Canadians with food allergy through their efforts in education, advocacy, community building, leadership, or fundraising.
This year, the Robyn Allen Leadership Award goes to Dr. Edmond Chan.
Learn more about Dr. Chan and his contribution to food allergy, and read about the nominees.
Tips for caterers
Dining out poses unique challenges for those living with food allergy. It is necessary for guests with food allergy to get the support they need to make informed decisions.
Check out our newest section on tips that you can provide to caterers to help ensure your event accommodates those with food allergy. Here you will find things to remember when you are catering an event, whether you are an event manager, chef, or server.
We also have helpful tips for guests with food allergy who are attending a catered event.
Be prepared! Check out our tips for caterers.
Back-to-school is almost here – are you ready?
With September around the corner, be sure to check our back-to-school tips and resources to support students with food allergy. There is lots of great information for all ages and stages.
- Have you updated your child’s Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan? Download a copy today.
- Educate your school on managing food allergy and anaphylaxis. Let them know about our free, online courses at AllergyAware.ca.
- Sign your child up for Allergy Pals/Allies online mentorship program. The next 8-week session starts September 28!
- Plan ahead with our back to school checklist.
- Review our tips on managing food allergies in childcare, elementary-middle school, high school.
- Is your child moving out or heading to post-secondary school? Learn how they can confidently manage the transition and watch the recorded webinar. Plus, be sure to share our post-secondary guide with their campus administrators.
- Make your school allergy aware by sharing our resources for educators, like our Think FAST and AllergyAware.ca posters. We have information for childcare, school (K to 12) and post-secondary settings.
- Get informed with our webinars for:
- Parents – top tips for managing food allergies at school
- Elementary-middle school students – back-to-school and food allergy
- Students starting post-secondary school – managing food allergy on campus
- NEW for high school students! Register for our upcoming webinar on August 13, 2019 at 8 pm to 9 pm EDT.
- Wear medical identification jewelry, such as MedicAlert®. It provides first responders and healthcare professionals with important medical information, which is essential in an emergency, especially when a person cannot speak for him/herself or is unconscious.
- MedicAlert special offer for the Food Allergy Canada community:
- For anyone 18 and under – mention offer code FACYOUTH to receive a FREE $39 ID, or get $39 off any ID, FREE shipping, and 20% off your service plan.
- For anyone over 18 – mention offer code FACADULT to receive $50 off your order and FREE shipping.
- To get this offer, please call MedicAlert directly at 1 855 581-3791.
- MedicAlert special offer for the Food Allergy Canada community: