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Allergy New Zealand

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    Allergies affect 30-40% of the population in New Zealand. The most common are caused by airborne allergens such as pollen and house dust mites. Food allergy is now a common condition in childhood, affecting up to one in ten (10%) children under age 5 years.

    Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and life-threatening (known as anaphylaxis).

    Allergies and related conditions such as eczema can have a major impact on health and quality of life for the individual as well as their families. Diagnosis is not always straightforward, and management can be time consuming and costly.

    Allergy New Zealand is a national charity that was established to help people living with allergies, including children and their families, with reliable information, education and support. We work with allergy specialists and researchers in New Zealand and internationally so we can provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and education. Our national network of volunteers can help with support at local levels and through social media.  

    Membership and subscription to our online magazine, Allergy Today, is free. We also have a wide range of resources available through our website including FAQs, guidelines for schools and early childhood services, and links to free on-line training. Dust-mite covers and other resources are also available through the shop-online.

     

     

     

    Services Provided

    Family / whānau support

    Information and advice for parents concerned their child may have or has been diagnosed with allergies including food allergy. Information also on eczema.

    Information and advice for individuals and families, early childhood staff, and the school sector on the care and management of allergies and eczema.

    Pregnancy and parenting

    Information and advice for parents concerned their baby or child may have or has been diagnosed with allergies including food allergy. Information also on eczema.

    Information and advice for individuals and families, early childhood staff, and the school sector on the care and management of allergies and eczema.

    Current recommendation on immunisations for those with egg allergy.

    Current recommendations on breastfeeding and introduction of solids in infants at high risk of developing food allergies.

    Advocacy

    Allergy New Zealand works with a range of health bodies and regulatory authorities to ensure people living with allergies have access to the services they need. This includes:

    • raising awareness of the burden of allergies and eczema through national campaigns
    • understanding clinical pathways for referrals to specialists
    • information to assist people with ACC claims in respect to anaphylaxis
    • Allergy & Anaphylaxis Guidelines for Early Childhood Services and Schools
    • the food sector including the 'Allergen Collaboration' - to improve food safety for people with food allergies
    • training and education for educators, food industry and the health sector.

    A major focus of Allergy New Zealand's advocacy work is to get adrenaline auto-injectors for those at risk of anaphylaxis, fully funded by PHARMAC.

    Information & support

    Information and advice for individuals and families, on the care and management of allergies and eczema.

    Information and support for young people diagnosed with allergies including food allergy, and/or eczema. 

    Information and advice for individuals and families, and the school sector on the care and support of youth with allergies and eczema.

    Information about immunisations for those with allergy to egg.

    Charges

    Information and support, including on our website, through social media and by phone or email enquiry, is free, as is  subscription to our online e-newsletter, Allergy Today.

    Membership is also free - please email membership@allergy.org.nz for information about this.  

    We sell Miteguard Dust Mite bedding covers, and supply free EpiPen trainer pens, through our Shop Online. 

    Age groups

    • Child / Tamariki
    • Youth / Rangatahi
    • Adult / Pakeke
    • Older adult / Kaumātua

    How do I access this service?

    • Contact us
    • Website / App

    Fees and Charges Categorisation

    • Free

    Disability Assistance

    • Provision for wheelchair access

    This information has been provided by healthpoint.co.nz, helping people better understand and use New Zealand health services. Healthpoint and Te Whatu Ora Southern do not endorse or adopt the information or materials provided by any of the service providers, and accept no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, offers or details in any such information or materials.

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