The health, safety and wellbeing of all pilgrims attending WYD is our number one priority. To facilitate and support this process and to ensure a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage for all, we ask you to take the time to read this very important information outlined below.
Parents/guardians of all pilgrims under 18 years of age (and MACS students pilgrims) must provide all medical information that is pertinent to the health of their child. This is particularly important in relation to those pilgrims who have any pre-existing medical conditions that may require additional support while your child is on pilgrimage.
Those pilgrims with existing medical management or allied health plans eg. anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or mental health conditions must upload these documents via the Pilgrimage portal.
NOTE: Due to the privacy act, schools are not permitted to pass this information on to pilgrimage organizers.
All pilgrim information must be updated in the pilgrim portal by 4.00 PM Friday 21 July 2023 to ensure that our team has time to review all relevant information before departure.
Medication whilst on Pilgrimage
Prescription Medication
- If your child is required to take prescription medication while on Pilgrimage, all relevant information regarding the prescribed dose and administration will need to be clearly detailed in the pilgrim portal.
- All medications should be transported in the original packaging, with an accompanying letter or notification from their prescribing doctor advising the medical requirement.
- Containers must be clearly labeled with the pilgrim's name, the dose to be taken, as well as when and how it should be taken.
- It is an expectation that pilgrims will administer their own medication unless otherwise clearly stated in the pilgrim portal.
- Any medication that will require the supervision of a leader to administer must have adequate information regarding dose, timing etc.
Non Prescription Medication
- Small group leaders, first aid officers or members of the allied health team will not administer or provide over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, claratyne, mylanta or cold and flu medication etc.
- Parents who wish their child to have access to the above medications, will need to supply their child with the medications prior to departure, and provide any appropriate instructions to their child as to how to appropriately administer them.
Swimming on Pilgrimage
- There will be opportunities for pilgrims to participate in fully supervised recreational swimming on pilgrimage (Marriott Hotel Pool). In order for your child to participate (if they wish) parents are required to complete the swimming capability section of the pilgrim portal.
- Pilgrims whose parents have not completed this section will be unable to participate in recreational swimming while on pilgrimage.
Preparing for Travel
- All prescription medication should be clearly marked and packed in the pilgrims carry on bag. Accompanying documentation from the prescribing doctor is to be included in your child's "Important Travel Documentation Folder".
- Pilgrims prone to travel sickness should be prepared and include any travel sickness medication in their carry on bag.
Anaphylaxis
- An ASCIA action plan must be uploaded to the Pilgrim Portal.
- Pilgrims who require the use of an autoinjector (eg. epipen) are required to carry one on their person at all times.
- Parents are required to provide an additional auto injector that will be carried by the pilgrims small group leader in case of emergency (to be handed in at check-in time on day of departure).
- Parents are asked to ensure that accompanying documentation from the prescribing doctor is included in your child's “Important Travel Documentation Folder”.
- Given the scale of the WYD pilgrimage, pilgrims are expected to be vigilant regarding their intake of food with regards to known allergens or triggers.
Asthma
- An Asthma Management Plan must be uploaded to the Pilgrim Portal.
- Pilgrims who require the use of preventers or inhalers are required to carry one on their person at all times. Use of pilgrims' own spacer is encouraged.
- Parents are asked to ensure that any accompanying documentation from the prescribing doctor is included in your child's "Important Travel Documentation Folder".
