“Spare” AAIs can be obtained, without prescription, from a pharmacy in small quantities on an occasional, and not-for-profit basis. The school will need to give the pharmacy a written request signed by the principal or head teacher stating:
- the name of the school for which the product is required;
- the purpose for which that product is required, and
- the total quantity required.
A template letter which can be used for this purpose can be accessed here. A healthcare professional does not need to sign this letter.
Pharmacies are not required to provide AAIs free of charge, the school must pay for them as a retail item. Unfortunately, there are no funds held centrally or by local authorities to cover the cost.