Can My Allergic Baby Receive the Measles Vaccine Safely?

Measles vaccine

Hello, Doctor:
1.
My baby is currently 10 months old and has received all the scheduled vaccinations on time.
However, since my baby has allergies, we have not introduced any egg products.
If my baby has a slight allergic reaction to eggs, can he still receive the measles vaccine?
2.
What other vaccines are made from chicken embryos?
3.
Currently, my baby is consuming HA2 hydrolyzed formula and has been introduced to rice cereal and some fruit purees and juices.
He has not eaten eggs, meat, or seafood.
Will this diet be sufficient for my baby's nutrition?
Thank you, Dr.
Lin, for taking the time to clarify these questions!

De De Mama, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/03/24

Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics

Dear Mother De De,
Greetings from Dr.
Lin Wen-Hsien, Chief of Pediatrics at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.
I would like to address your questions in order:
1.
The likelihood of an egg allergy is very low; out of 100,000 children, only about one may have an egg allergy.
In Taiwan, the primary source of allergies is dust mites, not eggs.
The incidence of severe egg allergies that would prevent vaccination is extremely rare.
Compared to the risks of not vaccinating and contracting the disease, vaccination is still strongly recommended.
2.
During the vaccine production process, viruses are cultured using chicken embryos, not only for the measles vaccine but also for the influenza and mumps vaccines.
Therefore, if your baby has received the influenza vaccine without any adverse reactions, there is no need to worry about an egg allergy.
3.
If nutrition for infants under one year of age is solely provided by breast milk or formula, there typically won't be significant issues.
The emphasis on the importance of complementary foods is to train the baby to adapt to solid foods to meet nutritional needs after one year of age.
If chewing skills and exposure to various foods are not developed between six months and one year, the child may become reliant on milk alone and refuse other foods, leading to nutritional imbalances that can be difficult to correct.
Wishing you and your baby good health and all the best!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Lin Wen-Hsien
Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan

Reply Date: 2005/03/24

More Info

When it comes to vaccinating a baby with known allergies, particularly to egg products, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
1. Measles Vaccine and Egg Allergy: The measles vaccine, specifically the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, is not made from egg proteins. Therefore, it is generally considered safe for children with egg allergies to receive this vaccine. The MMR vaccine is cultured in human cell lines (such as MRC-5) rather than in eggs, which means that the risk of an allergic reaction due to egg proteins is minimal. However, it is always advisable to consult with your pediatrician or an allergist before proceeding with vaccination, especially if your child has a history of severe allergic reactions.

2. Vaccines Derived from Chicken Embryos: While the MMR vaccine is safe for children with egg allergies, there are other vaccines that may contain traces of egg proteins. For instance, the influenza vaccine is often produced using chicken embryos, and children with egg allergies may need special consideration when receiving this vaccine. Other vaccines that may be derived from chicken embryos include the yellow fever vaccine and some formulations of the rabies vaccine. It is crucial to discuss any concerns about egg allergies with your healthcare provider, who can provide guidance on which vaccines are appropriate for your child.

3. Nutritional Considerations: Regarding your baby's diet, it is essential to ensure that they are receiving adequate nutrition, especially since they have not yet been introduced to certain food groups like eggs, meat, and seafood. The use of hydrolyzed formula (like HA2) is a good choice for babies with allergies, as it is designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. However, it is important to ensure that your baby is getting a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients.
Since your baby is currently consuming rice cereal and fruit purees, you might want to consider gradually introducing other foods that are less likely to cause allergies, such as well-cooked vegetables, certain grains, and legumes. Consulting with a pediatric nutritionist can help you create a balanced meal plan that meets your baby's nutritional needs while considering their allergies.

In summary, your baby can safely receive the measles vaccine even with a mild egg allergy, but it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Additionally, ensure that your baby's diet is varied and balanced to support their growth and development. Regular check-ups with your pediatrician can help monitor your baby's health and nutritional status as they grow.

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