Victorian schools, including those across Wyndham, are preparing for a major change to anaphylaxis first aid in 2026, with two new adrenaline treatment options set to be introduced alongside existing devices.
Under the update, schools will have access to four approved emergency treatments instead of two.
The current injection-based devices EpiPen and Anapen will be joined by Neffy, a needle-free adrenaline nasal spray, and Jext, a new autoinjector option.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment with adrenaline.
In schools, triggers can include foods such as nuts, dairy and seafood, as well as insect stings—meaning rapid recognition and a clear emergency response remain critical.
The change follows regulatory approval for the nasal spray, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration listing Neffy on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods in late 2025.
Industry guidance notes the new devices are expected to become available in Australia in early 2026, with rollout timing still subject to supply and distribution.
Victorian Government announcements say training will be rolled out in Term 1 and Term 2, 2026 to ensure school staff are familiar with all four options before the new devices become widely available. Staff in the independent and Catholic sectors will also be able to register for the workshops.
State education guidance adds further detail, requiring government school anaphylaxis supervisors to complete a short online Neffy and Jext workshop in Term 1 or Term 2, 2026 under specified conditions, as schools update their anaphylaxis management procedures to reflect the expanded device mix.
Health organisations say the additional options may provide greater flexibility for families and schools—particularly for students who experience anxiety around needles—while keeping adrenaline as the first-line emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.
The Jacinta Allan Government has framed the change as a preparedness measure, while education policy updates make clear schools will need to align training, procedures and device familiarity with the new approved options.
Families seeking information about availability, prescriptions and suitability are being directed to speak with a GP and consult reputable allergy resources such as Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia.
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved the neffy 2 mg adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray for treating anaphylaxis in adults and children aged four and over who weigh at least 15 kg.
Adrenaline has been available locally as an injection—such as EpiPen—since 1993, making this the first nasal-spray option a major shift in how severe allergic reactions can be treated.
