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 | Flublok, a new seasonal influenza vaccine, has been developed for the 2013-2014 influenza season. It does not contain any egg protein, as it is made in an "insect cell line". The current FDA approval of Flublok is for adults 18-49 years of age -- which is disappointing -- as most people outgrow their egg allergy by their teenage years. Therefore, it is somewhat surprising to me that the manufacturer, Protein Sciences Corporation, is even bothering with Flublok. It's likely to be far more expensive than traditional egg-based influenza vaccines, and can only be used for adults at the present time. | |
Getting the Flu Vaccine With Egg Allergy
Flu season is nearly upon us, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the influenza vaccine for most children and adults, especially those with high-risk medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease) as well as young children and the elderly. However, since the influenza vaccine is produced in chicken eggs, it contains a small amount of egg protein, and therefore is considered contraindicated in those with egg allergy. Therefore, people with egg allergy have done without the influenza vaccine for years, putting themselves at danger of contracting influenza, a potentially life-threatening infection.
| 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.
| 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.
| Allergy Basics
The page covers topics which are basic to the understanding of allergic diseases in general. A brief question and answer format is used in an easy to read and understand manner.
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