Vaccines and Egg allergies

[Mayleng]

Just wanted to impart what I recently learnt:

That is most vaccines ie. mumps, measels, chicken pox and flu vacines are grown in eggs. So for those who are allergic to eggs, these vaccines could cause an allergic reaction.

[catatonic]

If your child is allergic to eggs, the doctor can do an allergy skin test prior to giving any vaccinations. There's an interesting article here:

www.drpaul.com/library/VACALLERGY.html

MMR vaccines don't contain a significant amount of egg protein any more, but testing is still a good idea if the allergy is severe. FLU SHOTS are the biggest risk. (And yellow fever, which is only relevant if you're planning to travel to Central or South America.) The CDC advises against flu shots for anyone who is severely allergic to eggs.

At National Jewish Hospital, which has one of the premier allergy programs in the country, they recommend the following for flu shots:

Because the flu vaccine has been grown on egg protein, the flu vaccine is not recommended for people who have a history of severe egg allergy. However, if you have been able to eat eggs, it may be possible for you to receive the flu vaccine. Many people who believe they are allergic to eggs tolerate the flu vaccine. At National Jewish, these people are first skin tested to egg and then to the vaccine. If the testing is negative, the vaccine is given in our clinic and the person is watched closely. For some people who are allergic to the vaccine, it can be given in smaller doses under close supervision. This can require several shots over many hours. This is only done when the person is at high risk for complications of the flu.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has a good discussion of the MMR issue, from its national advisory committee of immunization:
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/96vol22/dr2214ea.html

[Mayleng]

Thanks Cat for adding more info on this.