What allergies disqualify you from the military?

Food Allergies If you have a history of food allergies, you might be disqualified from joining the military. This is because service members can serve in locations that do not have a wide variety of food options or that do not have easily accessible medical care in the case of reactions.

Can you get a waiver for an EpiPen in the military?

Individuals with a history of food-allergy anaphylaxis or a systemic reaction to food do not meet military accession or retention standards and require a waiver in order to serve in the military. First-line treatment for anaphylaxis includes rapid administration of epinephrine.

Do I need an EpiPen for shellfish allergy?

Anaphylaxis can be treated with an emergency injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). If you are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction to shellfish, you always should carry injectable epinephrine (EpiPen, Adrenaclick, others).

Can you join the military with an EpiPen?

In the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, being prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector does not typically result in being discharged for medical reasons, but a history of anaphylaxis can adversely affect eligibility for specific assignments and specialized training.

Can you join the military with seasonal allergies?

Allergic Conditions Disqualification Immunotherapy for seasonal allergies is not disqualifying for entry to military service and the U.S. Air Force Academy but continuation during the initial years of cadet training may be problematic, and completion of immunotherapy prior to entry is strongly urged.

Can I join the military if I’m allergic to bees?

If you have a current diagnosis of anaphylactic allergy to nuts or other foods and you really are allergic to these, you cannot join up. If you are allergic to wasp or bee stings you may be eligible but only if you have been desensitised and no longer need to carry an adrenaline auto injector (AAI).

Can bee allergies disqualify you from the military?

An allergy to a stinging insect can impact medical readiness. New potential recruits may not be eligible to enter the military without a waiver if they have not completed five years of venom allergy shots.

Can you join the military if you are allergic to food?

For this reason, a history of systemic allergic reaction to food or food additives is a disqualifying medical condition for individuals seeking to join the military. Sensitization – that is, elevated food-specific IgE, but no clinical history of reaction symptoms when consuming the food – is not a disqualifying condition.

Is it safe to eat shrimp in the military?

Good news is the Army never serves shrimp or crab or lobster. Although they still use Iodine pills to treat water , but the have a hand pump filter that does that job now. Caution though never get an MRI done the dye they use is made from shellfish.

Can you be discharged from the Air Force for anaphylaxis?

In the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, being prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector does not typically result in being discharged for medical reasons, but a history of anaphylaxis can adversely affect eligibility for specific assignments and specialized training.

Who is unlikely to receive a waiver for food allergy testing?

Also unlikely to receive a waiver are prospective recruits with eosinophilic esophagitis. In contrast, if the allergist conducts an oral food challenge and the prospective recruit passes the challenge, the recruit is likely to receive a waiver; his or her allergy would be considered resolved, even with a past history of severe reactions.