A patient is allergic to eggs and therefore cannot receive influenza immunizations
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Establishing the safety of influenza vaccine in egg-allergic individualsMatthew J Greenhawt. Pediatr Ann. 2013 Jul. AbstractCME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES 1. Understand that trivalent influenza vaccine is safe for patients with egg allergy, including patients with severe egg allergy. 2. Understand that egg-allergic patients no longer require any special precautions to safely receive trivalent influenza vaccine. 3. Recognize that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices advises that most egg-allergic patients can now receive trivalent influenza vaccine from their primary care physician. Trivalent influenza vaccine is grown in chick embryos and contains residual egg protein (ovalbumin). Historically, trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) has been contraindicated in egg-allergic individuals (EAI) and the vaccine was withheld in many of these individuals due to the ovalbumin. However, protocols were developed that allowed EAIs to safely receive TIV, including stepwise desensitization, vaccine skin testing, and use of low ovalbumin containing vaccine. In the past 3 years, several groups have systematically disproven that EAI are at any increased risk for an allergic reaction than the general population and withholding TIV is not necessary. To date, approximately 4,315 patients have safely received 4,872 total doses of TIV, including 656 EAI with severe egg allergy (including anaphylaxis to egg) who safely received 740 doses of TIV. Thus, it is as safe to provide TIV to EAI as providing it to a non-EAI. This article will trace the evolution of this practice. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated. Similar articles
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What vaccine Cannot be administered if someone is allergic to egg?Three vaccines, including those for yellow fever, influenza, and rabies, contain small amounts of egg protein because they're cultured either in eggs or in chick embryos. 1 This raises a potential concern for people who are allergic to egg protein.
Why can't people who are allergic to eggs get the flu shot?The bottom line
An egg allergy is no longer a reason to avoid getting an annual flu vaccine. Many clinical studies have shown that most people with egg allergies can safely receive flu shots.
Can you get vaccines if you are allergic to eggs?If you are allergic to egg, you can receive any licensed influenza vaccination. If you have a severe egg allergy – meaning you get symptoms that involve more than hives on your skin after eating egg – then you should get your flu vaccination in a healthcare setting, like a doctor's office clinic or hospital.
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