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 | The influenza vaccine is produced using chick embryos, and therefore may contain a small amount of egg protein. For years, there was concern that egg protein contained in the influenza vaccine could result in a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in a person with an egg allergy. Therefore, people with egg allergy were not given the influenza vaccine, and many probably became infected with influenza as a result. There have been a number of recent studies published in 2012 supporting the safety of influenza vaccine for people with egg allergy. These studies included over 4,000 people with egg allergy, including over 500 with severe life-threatening egg allergy, who were administered the influenza vaccine without any episodes of anaphylaxis. Therefore, the Allergy Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters for Vaccine Administration recommends that no special precautions be taken when administering the influenza vaccine to people with egg allergy. So, if you have an egg allergy, it's safe to get your flu shot. |
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Flu Shots are Safe For People with Egg Allergy
Influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that causes illness characterized by fever, runny nose, cough, body aches and sore throat. Also known as "the flu", influenza can be a serious infection that can lead to missed school and work days, and can even lead to pneumonia and hospitalization. Thousands of people die every year from complications from influenza in the United States; during a severe year, tens of thousands of people can die from influenza. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that all people, 6 months of age and older, receive the seasonal influenza vaccine.
| Outgrowing Egg Allergy
Egg allergy is the second most common food allergy, affecting up to 2% of young children. While it is second only to milk as the most common form of food allergy affecting all individuals, egg allergy is the most common food allergy occurring in children with atopic dermatitis. Multiple studies have shown that about half of children with egg allergy will outgrow their allergy by 4 to 5 years of age. A significant proportion of children will therefore continue to be allergic to eggs at least until their adolescent or teenager years, and some may never outgrow their egg allergy.
| Vaccines and Food Allergy
Millions of routine childhood vaccinations are given every year in the United States; allergic reactions from these vaccines are extremely rare. However, some people with certain food allergies may be at higher risk for allergic reactions as a result of vaccines containing certain food proteins. Up to 8% of children suffer from food allergies, with egg being one of the most common foods to which children are allergic. Many routine childhood immunizations contain traces of egg protein or other food ingredients. As a result, there is the possibility that a child with food allergies will experience anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) as a result of receiving a vaccination.
| Testing for Penicillin Allergy
Penicillin allergy is the most commonly reported medication allergy, with more than 10% of hospitalized patients reporting an allergy to penicillin. However, approximately 90% of people reporting a penicillin allergy... Read more
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