As you may have heard on the news recently or experienced as a family, there is currently a supply shortage of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. (epinephrine auto-injectors) due to manufacturing delays.  As we plan for the start of the school year, Arlington Public Schools (APS) has been closely monitoring this shortage with our School Health partners. Our priority is to continue to ensure that students with life-threatening allergies have access to epinephrine if it is ever needed.

We have been closely monitoring our inventory of EpiPens in each school to ensure we have appropriate numbers. Currently, we can confirm that we have access to the needed EpiPens at each of our schools.  We will continue to monitor our inventory throughout the year and will notify impacted families if any concerns arise.

For families who have a student who depends on epinephrine in an emergency, we ask that you to provide one to your child’s school clinic. It is especially important that we have an EpiPen (or auto-injector) for your student on a school field trip so we can maintain sufficient supplies at the school.

Finally, if your doctor has recommended an alternative medication for your child that can work in place of an EpiPen, please contact the school and let the clinic staff know the alternative care instructions. Also, if you are having trouble filling a prescription, please call Mylan Customer Relations at 800-796-9526 for assistance in locating alternative pharmacies.

If you have questions or concerns, please speak with the clinic staff at your child’s school or you can contact Laura Newton, Director of Student Services at 703-228-6058 or laura.newton@apsva.us or Sarah N. Bell RN, BSN, MPH, School Health Bureau Chief at 703-228-1657 or SNBell@arlingtonva.us.