Allergies in children: Giving an epinephrine shot to a child

What do I need to know first?

There are some important things to think about before you give the shot:

• The shot does not replace the need to be seen by a doctor. After giving your child the shot, seek emergency medical care. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can return or get worse after an epinephrine shot.
• The shot should only be injected into the side of the thigh. Do not give the shot into a buttock or a vein.
• Be familiar with the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. If your child feels or you observe the symptoms coming on, act quickly. The sooner the shot is given, the better the chances of a good outcome.
• If your child is not able to be still, get someone to hold the child while you give the shot. If you are alone, put the child down on his or her back and lay your upper body across the child's body. Use one hand to hold the child's leg while you give the shot with the other hand.

It is also important to:

• Have an allergy kit near your child at all times. Keep one at home and one at school or day care. An older child can wear a fanny pack with the kit in it.
• Keep two epinephrine shots in each kit in case a second shot is needed.
• Always have your child wear a medical alert bracelet to let others know about the allergies.
• Make sure your child's school administrators, teachers, babysitters, and friends know how to give your child the shot and to call 911 after giving the shot. At school, stress the need for the kit to be with your child, not locked away where it could not be reached quickly.
• Explain to your child why the shot is necessary, how it helps, and what you will do when the shot is needed. It may help to show the child what will happen. You can get an epinephrine shot trainer from your pharmacist to use for practice.
• As soon as your child is old enough, teach him or her to give the shot and call for help.

Test Your Knowledge

1. All I have to do is give my child the shot.

1. True
2. False

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Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: April 5, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
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