Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) was established in 1990 as the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA action plans are standardised documents that allow parents, carers and teachers to take the correct steps to recognise and treat allergies and anaphylaxis affecting children under their care.

Allergic diseases are amongst the fastest growing chronic disease and public health issues in Australia, affecting around 20% of the population. They include food, insect and drug allergies, asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and eczema.  The most severe type of allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis, which is potentially life threatening.