Asthma
Managing Asthma and Allergies at School
When your child with asthma or allergies (or both) starts school, you will probably have a lot of questions, such as:
- How will the school staff help my child avoid asthma episodes/attacks or allergic reactions?
- Will they be exposed to their triggers or allergens?
- Will they have quick, easy access to their medicine? Can they self-carry their emergency medicines?
- Will they be able to make up schoolwork if they miss school days due to asthma or allergies?
- How will the school manage a medical emergency?
Since asthma and allergies are very common among school children, many schools have plans in place to manage these conditions. But each school is different. And each child’s needs are different. Proper planning and a partnership with your child’s school can help you and the school staff create a safe and healthy learning environment for your student.
And you may not need to do every step each year as your child gets older and becomes more independent. Use these steps as a guide as you work with your child’s school.
Partner with Your Child’s School About Their Asthma or Allergies
You and your child’s school both want your child to have a quality education in a safe environment. Forming a partnership with your child’s school is key when it comes to successfully managing their asthma and allergies.
Start by communicating with the school about your child’s asthma and allergies in writing. Ask for meetings with key people in the planning process. This often includes the school or district nurse and the primary teacher or sometimes the principal.
Throughout your child’s schooling, you will be working with the school and district staff. Approach it with a positive mindset and tone.
It’s also important to teach your child, in age-appropriate ways, how to manage their condition. This may mean learning how to recognize when they are having symptoms, knowing how to wash their hands, or taking other steps to prevent allergies or asthma.
Related Resources
- SA³MPRO™: Comprehensive Asthma Educational Resources (Visit AAAAI.org)
- Back to School with Food Allergies and Asthma (Visit YouTube)
Prepare for the Next School Year Well Before First Day of School
Putting everything into place for your child’s care at school can take some time.
Each year, start preparing for the next school year early. Spring is usually the best time to start, especially since some prep will probably continue into the summer. If your child will need accommodation, start that process at the beginning of the calendar year (January or February) when possible.
Here are some of the steps you’ll want to take during the spring and summer to prepare:
- Talk with the school to begin the process to create or update your child’s care plan
- Get copies of the forms you will need to have filled out before school starts and turn them in before the first day of school
- Meet with your child’s doctor over the summer to have school forms signed and refill prescriptions
- Meet with school staff who will be with your child during the school day
At the end of the school year:
- Pick up unused medicines on the last day of school and check expiration dates
Related Resources
- What School Forms Do You Need If Your Child Has Asthma or Food Allergies?
- Summer To-Dos Before You Send Your Child with Asthma or Allergies to School
Work with the School to Create a School Health Care Plan
Every student with asthma or food allergies should have a school health care plan. A school health care plan lists your child’s common symptoms, medicines, and what to do if they have symptoms. It may also outline what school staff should do to prevent asthma episodes/attacks or allergic reactions.
Three of the most common types of school health care plans are:
- Emergency care plan (ECP)
- Asthma Action Plan
- Anaphylaxis Action Plan
- Individual health care plan (IHP or IHCP)
- Section 504 accommodation plan (also known as “504 plan”)
The school health care plan will be created and updated in a partnership between the student’s parents/guardians, the school staff (typically school or district nurse), and the child’s primary care (e.g., pediatrician) or specialist care clinicians (e.g., allergist). Work together to decide which type of care plan is best for your child.
When you meet with the school, discuss:
- Your child’s triggers and allergens
- Your child’s symptoms and their Asthma Action Plan/Anaphylaxis Action Plan
And ask about:
- The school’s existing asthma/allergy management policies
- What the staff will do if your child has symptoms and if there is an emergency
- The process for creating and submitting forms and a care plan
- Where quick-relief asthma medicine or epinephrine will be kept
- If the school provides staff training on asthma/allergies
- Cleaning and handwashing practices
- How the school manages meals in the cafeteria, lunch area, or classroom for students with food allergies
- How students with food allergies request meals with safe substitutions
Related Resources
- School Health Care Plans: a Review of ECPs, IHPs, and 504 Plans
- Asthma Action Plans
- Anaphylaxis Action Plans (Visit kidswithfoodallergies.org)
- Section 504 Plans: Partnering with Your Child’s School for Asthma Accommodations
- How COVID-19 Could Affect School Health Care Plans for Asthma and Allergies
Meet with Your Child’s Teacher and Other Staff Your Child Will See During the School Day
After you have met with the school nurse or other school representative, set up a meeting with your child’s teacher(s) to talk about classroom management of asthma or allergies.
Talk with them about:
- Allergen and asthma control strategies in the classroom and during “specials” such as music and art
- How to handle classroom celebrations and field trips
- How substitute teachers will be notified about your child’s health needs
Depending on the school and your child’s needs, you may also meet with other teachers, or the school principal, food services director, coaches, and/or athletic director.
Related Resources
- COVID-19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools
- Teal Classroom™ Kit (printable PDF)
- Potential Food Allergens in Preschool, School, Camp Crafts, and Activities (Visit kidswithfoodallergies.org)
- Non-Food Rewards for Children with Food Allergies (Visit kidswithfoodallergies.org)
Prevent and Control Asthma and Allergy Symptoms Before School Starts
If your child has asthma, take steps now to prevent episodes or attacks later. It’s much easier to prevent asthma and allergy symptoms before they happen than it is to get them under control.
- Make sure your child’s asthma is under control before school starts
- Prepare for the September Asthma Epidemic
- If your child has allergic asthma, talk with your child’s doctor about starting or adjusting their allergy treatment during the summer
- Get the flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines for your child (as age appropriate) and family members
- Talk with the school about how to reduce asthma and allergy triggers in the school environment
- Ask about the steps the school is taking to reduce the spread of the flu and COVID-19
Related Resources
- 5 Reasons Why Children with Asthma Need Important Vaccines for the Back-to-School Season
- September Asthma Epidemic
- COVID-19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools
- Is It COVID-19, the Flu, a Cold, Allergies or Asthma?(printable PDF)
Teach Your Child Age-Appropriate Skills to Help Them Self-Manage Their Asthma and Allergies
As your child grows, teach, and encourage your child to build age-appropriate skills to manage their asthma or allergies.
Some of these skills may include:
- Carrying and using their own medicines
- Recognizing symptoms of asthma or an allergic reaction
- Telling an adult when they are having symptoms
- Washing their hands properly
- Reading food labels or asking for a safe food option if they have food allergies
- Riding on a school bus and going on field trips
- Reporting bullying or harassment
Talk with your child’s doctor about whether or not your child is old enough to self-carry and take their medicines on their own. Talk with the school and your child’s doctor.
Related Resources
- When Is a Child Ready for Self-Care of Anaphylaxis? (Visit kidswithfoodallergies.org)
- Tips for Improving Your Inhaler Technique (Visit YouTube)
Understand Your Child’s Rights Under State Laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
There are three federal laws that protect students with asthma and allergies:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Under the ADA and Section 504, asthma and allergies may be considered disabilities, depending on the severity.1,2 The IDEA and Section 504 ensure children with disabilities have access to “free appropriate public education.”3 Under these laws, you can work with your child’s school for reasonable accommodations for your child.
Check with your state to see if they have laws that protect your child and their right to education. For example, your child also has the right to carry their own medicine. All 50 states have laws allowing children to self-carry their own medicine. Each state has laws that protect this right. But you will need forms on file at the school signed by your child’s doctor that says they can self-carry.
Related Resources
- AAFA’s State Honor Roll: School Policies by State
- Are Asthma and Allergies Disabilities?
- Back-to-School: Students and Asthma Inhalers
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (Visit ada.gov)
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Visit ed.gov)
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Visit ed.gov)
Managing a Move to a New School
Each school has a different way of managing asthma and allergies. Your child’s needs will also change as they progress through grade levels. You will need to revisit the school planning process from the beginning each time they change schools, whether they are moving from elementary school to middle school to high school or you move them to a new school and/or district.
A student must be re-evaluated for a Section 504 plan periodically. Section 504 allows school districts to do re-evaluations of a child with a 504 plan in the same manner as the IDEA. The IDEA requires re-evaluation every 3 years (unless the parent and the school division agree it is not required). A student can be re-evaluated more often if the situation changes or the parent or teacher requests re-evaluation.
A re-evaluation should not occur more than once per year (unless the parent and public agency agree otherwise). A 504 plan should be reviewed and, if appropriate, revised each year. A 504 plan can be reviewed or revised at any point during the school year if your child’s needs change.
College with Asthma and Allergies
Even though colleges that get federal funding must follow Section 504 and the ADA, they are held to a different standard than elementary and secondary schools, and do not have to follow your prior 504 plan. If you ask for accommodations that would cause them to change their programs or create undue burden, the college may be able to say no to your request.4 Contact the school’s disability services department with any concerns or questions. If your student has food allergies, also contact dietary services. It’s important to support your teen with growing independence. In the college setting, the student will have to request any accommodations and manage their health.
Related Resources
- 10 Things Teens Forget to Take to College – Asthma Edition (Visit YouTube)
- What to Do If You Get Sick at College – Asthma Edition (Visit YouTube)
- Health Insurance Terms College Students May Not Know – Asthma Edition (Visit YouTube)
Closed
Drug Company Assistance Programs
The medicines covered by the programs below may change at any time. The following medicines are covered as of Jan. 24, 2025.
Company:
- AstraZeneca
Medicines offered:
- AIRSUPRA®
If you have commercial insurance: If you have employer-provided or individual private (commercial) insurance, you may be able to get AIRSUPRA for as low as $0 with the SUPRA Savings Card.
If you have government insurance: For people with Medicare Part D coverage, the average out-of-pocket cost is $89 per month. For people with Medicaid, the out-of-pocket costs range from $.99-$13 per month. Some states offer even lower copays or eliminate the copay altogether. If you have Medicare Part D and cannot afford AIRSUPRA, you may be eligible for the patient assistance program, AZ&Me.
If you have no insurance: If you do not have health insurance or your insurance does not cover AIRSUPRA, you will pay the amount determined by your pharmacy. You may also be eligible for the patient assistance program, AZ&Me.
Learn more on the Cost Assistance with AIRSUPRA website or call 866-480-0030.
Company:
- AstraZeneca
Medicines offered:
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE®
- BREZTRI AEROSPHERE®
- SYMBICORT®
- FASENRA®
- TEZSPIRE®
If you have commercial insurance, government insurance, or no insurance:
AstraZeneca US Patient Support offers various savings for several of their medicines. They offer copay savings cards and patient assistance programs depending on what type of insurance you have.
For more information, visit AZPatientSupport or call 800-236-9933.
AstraZeneca has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
Company:
- AstraZeneca
Medicines offered:
- TEZSPIRE®
If you have commercial insurance: The TEZSPIRE Together Co-Pay Program can help may help you save regardless of income if you qualify. Get doses for as little as $0 and up to $100 off your in-office administration costs (pre-filled syringe only). Learn more on the TEZSPIRE Together Co-Pay Program website or call 888-987-7473.
If you have government insurance: The TEZSPIRE Together Program, you may be able receive TEZSPIRE at no cost if you qualify. This includes people who:
- Are uninsured
- Have Medicare Part B with no supplemental insurance
- Have a Medicare Advantage plan with an affordability gap
- Have insurance that does not cover TEZSPIRE
For more information, call 888-987-7473.
Company:
- Boehringer Ingelheim
Medicines offered:
- Atrovent® HFA
- Combivent® Respimat®
- Spiriva® Respimat®
- Stiolto® Respimat®
- Striverdi® Respimat®
If you have commercial insurance or don’t have insurance: If you qualify, your cost will automatically be discounted when you buy these inhalers at participating retail pharmacies. If your cost is more than $35, download and use a savings card. Learn more at: InhalerOffer.com
If you have government-funded insurance: If you use Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE, visit the Boehinger Cares Patient Assistance Program webpage or call 800-556-8317 to apply for assistance.
Boehringer Ingelheim has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
Company:
- Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Medicines offered:
- DUPIXENT®
If you have commercial insurance: The Dupixent MyWay® Copay Card may help you lower the cost of your copay. Learn more on the Dupixent MyWay Copay Card website or call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.
If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover Dupixent: You can apply for the DUPIXENT MyWay Patient Assistance Program. For more information or to sign up, call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.
If you have Medicare: At this time, there is not a savings program for Dupixent if you have Medicare. Call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1 for more information.
If you have Medicaid: Your copay and coverage may vary depending on what state you live in. If you meet the criteria, you may also be able to get help from the DUPIXENT MyWay Patient Assistance Program. For more information or to sign up, call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.
Medicines covered:
- Epinephrine devices – all brands
Savings programs:
- See AAFA’s list of all available epinephrine devices and their patient assistance programs.
Company:
- Genentech
Medicines offered:
- Xolair®
If you have commercial insurance: Genentech offers a copay savings program for Xolair. You may also be able to get help from an independent copay assistance foundation.
If you have government insurance or don’t have insurance: You may be able to get help from an independent copay assistance foundation. Find programs.
Company:
- GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
Medicines offered:
- ARNUITY ELIPTA
- ANORO ELLIPTA
- BREO ELLIPTA
- INCRUSE ELLIPTA
- NUCALA®
- SEREVENT®
- TRELEGY®
If you have commercial insurance: You may be eligible for the GSK Copay Assistance Program.
If you have Medicare or no insurance: You may qualify for the GSK Patient Assistance Program. This program can help you receive certain GSK prescription medicines and vaccines at no cost.
For more information, visit GSK Patient Assistance Program & Savings Offers or call 888-825-5249.
GSK has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
Company:
- GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
Medicines offered:
- NUCALA®
If you have commercial insurance: If you have a commercial medical or prescription insurance plan, you may be able to take part on the NUCALA Copay Program. If you are approved, the GSK Copay Program may help with your cost share for NUCALA and the your cost share for administration up to the total annual copay program maximums.
If you have government insurance or no insurance: You are not eligible for this program if you are covered by any federal or state prescription insurance program.
For more information, visit the NUCALA Copay Program website or call 800-691-1939.
Company:
- Organon
Medicines offered:
- ASMANEX® HFA
- ASMANEX® TWISTHALER®
- DULERA®
If you have commercial insurance: If you qualify, you may be able to save with an ASMANEX Multiuse Savings Coupon.
If you qualify, you may pay as little as $15 per Dulera prescription on each of up to 12 qualifying prescriptions. The maximum savings is $90 per prescription.
If you have government insurance or no insurance: At this time, there is no assistance program if you have Medicaid or Medicare.
Company:
- Teva
Medicines Covered:
- QVAR RediHaler®
- CINQAIR®
Teva Cares Patient Assistance Program provides certain Teva medicines at no cost if you live in the United States and meet specific insurance and income criteria. Learn more about program eligibility.
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Teva Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Programs, you may be eligible for help from other programs they offer.
For more information, visit the Teva Cares Foundation website or call 888-838-2872.
Pharmacy Drug Savings Programs
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 844-265-6444
- moc.htlaehknilb@ofni
About the Program:
- Blink Health finds the lowest price for the medicines you need. Find discounted prescription prices on more than 15,000 medicines.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 844-926-2480
- moc.xrknilb@troppus
About the Program:
- BlinkRx is a digital pharmacy service that carries certain medicines. They can provide the lowest prescription price while providing free home delivery.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 855-268-2822
About the Program:
- GoodRx is a free resource that lets you compare medicine prices and find discounts.
Looking for savings on asthma inhalers? See the GoodRx Savings Guide for ways you may be able to save money on 25 asthma inhalers.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 833-317-2937
About the Program:
- The Kroger Health Savings Club is an annual membership program that entitles members to reduced prices on prescription drugs.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
About the Program:
- Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Company offers access to affordable medicines at the lowest possible price. Learn about program eligibility.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 888-331-1002
About the Program:
- The SCBN Prescription Assistance program is for uninsured or underinsured people who cannot afford their prescribed medicines.
- The program requires a membership fee to participate.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- Contact your local Walmart pharmacy
About the Program:
- The Walmart low-cost Prescription Program includes up to a 30-day supply for $4 and a 90-day supply for $10 of some covered generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages. Prices for some drugs covered by the program may vary by state.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 877-296-4673
About the Program:
- Prescription Hope provides access to brand-name medicines for only $60 a month per medication through their medication access service. Learn about program eligibility.
Nonprofit Copay and Premium Assistance Programs
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 800-511-5144 (TTY 711)
- moc.htlaehairaca@eracremotsuc
About the Program:
- AcariaHealth provides specialty pharmacy services for people living with complex and chronic health conditions. Their Copay Assistance Support Team will research and apply to qualifying patient assistance programs on behalf of the patient. Learn about the program.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 800-366-7741
About the Program:
- Accessia Health provides financial help to pay for copays, health insurance premiums, travel costs, and other medical expenses. Learn about program eligibility.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 877-968-7233
About the Program:
- Good Days provides financial support for people who cannot afford the treatment they urgently need.
- Copay, travel, premium, and diagnostic testing assistance may be available.
- Learn about eligibility criteria.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 980-859-3483
- gro.htaprobrah@ofni
About the Program:
- Harbor Path delivers lifesaving medicine for free to people who are uninsured. They currently serve 24 states. Use the eligibility calculator to see if you qualify.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 800-675-8416
- gro.noitadnuofllewhtlaeh@stnarg
About the Program:
- HealthWell Foundation provide financial assistance to help with prescription copays, travel costs, behavioral health services, health insurance premiums, deductibles, and copays. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 866-316-7263
About the Program:
- The PAN Foundation offers financial help for out-of-pocket medicine costs including copays, health insurance premiums, and transportation costs related to medical care. Learn about program eligibility. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 866-512-3861
About the Program:
- PAF’s Co-Pay Relief (CPR) program provides direct financial help to qualified people with co-payments, co-insurance or cost-sharing associated with prescription drugs through funds for specific disease states. Learn about program eligibility. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 800-769-3880
About the Program:
- Rx Outreach provides discounted medicines for eligible people. Learn about the program.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 855-845-3663
About the Program:
- TAF helps people and families by providing them with financial help for their copays, coinsurance, premiums, deductibles, and other health-related expenses.
Patient Assistance Tools and Databases
Tool:
- BenefitsCheckUp® – National Council on Aging
Contact Information:
- 800-794-6559
More Information:
- BenefitsCheckUp® is a free service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA). It is an online tool to connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefit programs such as health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more.
Tool:
Contact Information:
- 615-736-5075
- gro.epohfoyrasnepsid@ofni
About the Program:
- Dispensary of Hope provides medicine to communities, free of cost. They are a charitable medication distributor dedicated to providing pharmacies and clinics with reliable access to medication that was generously donated by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Find a dispensing site near you, here.
Tool:
Contact Information:
- 800-503-6897
- gro.sdemydeen@ofni
More Information:
- A national nonprofit that connects people to programs that may help them afford their medicines and other health care costs.
Tool:
- PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) – Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Contact Information:
- 571-350-8643
More Information:
- PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) is a search engine for many patient assistance resources offered by drug makers.
Tool:
Contact Information:
More Information:
- RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs. Learn about the eligibility requirements.
Tool:
Contact Information:
- 844-234-3057
- moc.eracelgnis@troppus
More Information:
- SingleCare works with pharmacies on discounts on prescriptions. Look up prescriptions to find the lowest prices in your area.
Tool:
Contact Information:
- 800-719-5147
- moc.esnesxr@rednifsgnivasxr
About the Program:
- Walgreens Rx Savings Finder can help you find prescription discount cards that can help you find the lowest price on a medicine at Walgreens.
State Drug Assistance Programs
Organization:
- Extra Help – Social Security Administration
Contact Information:
- 800-772-1213
- (TTY 800-325-0778)
More Information:
- The Extra Help program helps people with limited income and resources lower or cut Medicare Part D costs.
Organization:
- State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) – National Technical Assistance Center
Contact Information:
- 877-839-2675
- gro.htlaehpihs@ofni
More Information:
- Free insurance counseling and help to Medicare-eligible people, their families, and caregivers.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- Contact your local county office.
More Information:
- CalAIM offers people on Medi-Cal access to services that address physical, behavioral, developmental, dental, and long-term care needs.
Organization:
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program – Medicare.gov
More Information:
- Find out if your state has a state pharmaceutical assistance program.
Organization:
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Program – Medicare.gov
More Information:
- Learn more about pharmaceutical companies that offer programs to help pay for prescriptions for people with a Medicare Drug Plan (Part D).
Community Resources
American Sleep Apnea Association: Assists people with sleep apnea who cannot afford their CPAP mask supplies through the CPAP Assistance Program.
Friends of Man: Receives applications for mobility equipment, prosthetics, home modifications, medical equipment, hearing aids, basic needs and much more. The referral must be made by a professional. This includes caseworkers, case managers, health care workers, social workers, school counselors, teachers, and clergy.
FoodFinder: A map of food pantries across the United States. Search your ZIP code to learn about free food assistance programs near you.
FundFinder: Helps you find financial assistance from charitable foundations.
Inspira Financial: Funds in a health savings account (HSA) or a health care flexible spending account (FSA) can be used for eligible medical expenses.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul: A national non-profit that provides local assistance and services.
United Way 211: The most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the country.
AAFA Regional Chapters
The AAFA New England Chapter has more information on drug assistance for Massachusetts residents.
The AAFA Michigan Chapter has more information on drug assistance for Michigan residents, including the Jared Williams Medication Fund (JWMF).
Managing Asthma and Allergies at School
- School Health Care Plans for Asthma and Allergies
- 504 Plans for Asthma
- School Forms for Asthma
- School Planning Resources for Parents of Children with Asthma & Allergies
- Resources for Schools and Care Centers
- Resources for Early Childhood Education and Child Care
- Managing Asthma and Respiratory Infections in Schools
KFA is dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of food allergies through support, advocacy, education and research.
