Can Children with Egg Allergy Receive the Flu Vaccine Safely?

Can individuals with a protein allergy receive the flu vaccine?

The child is 9 years old and had an allergy test at the age of 5, which indicated a moderate allergy to egg protein.
As a result, the parents have been hesitant to have him receive the influenza vaccine.
However, he has contracted the flu every winter for the past three years, which has been quite troubling.
They would like to consult a physician about whether it is safe for their child, who has a moderate allergy to egg protein, to receive the influenza vaccine.

nina, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/12/26

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

The allergy-specific IgE antibody test for eggs, commonly referred to as an allergen test, does not necessarily reflect actual allergic reactions.
Individuals with a positive egg allergy-specific IgE antibody test who do not experience allergic reactions upon consuming eggs can still receive the influenza vaccine, unless they have previously had allergic reactions to eggs or foods containing egg ingredients, in which case they should avoid the influenza vaccine.
It is advisable to rest and be monitored at a healthcare facility for at least thirty minutes after vaccination to observe for any potential reactions.

Reply Date: 2014/12/26

More Info

Children with egg allergies can generally receive the flu vaccine, but there are important considerations to keep in mind. The flu vaccine is often produced using chicken eggs, which raises concerns for individuals with egg allergies. However, recent guidelines from health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), indicate that most children with egg allergies can safely receive the flu vaccine.

The key point is that the presence of egg allergy does not automatically preclude a child from receiving the flu vaccine. In fact, many children who have a history of egg allergy have been successfully vaccinated without any adverse reactions. The risk of a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in children with egg allergies is very low, especially if they have not had a severe allergic reaction to eggs in the past.

For children who have a documented history of severe egg allergy (such as anaphylaxis), it is recommended that they receive the flu vaccine in a medical setting where they can be monitored for any potential allergic reactions. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that if any reaction does occur, it can be managed promptly by healthcare professionals.

In your case, since your child has a moderate egg allergy but has not experienced severe reactions, it is likely that he can receive the flu vaccine safely. The presence of IgE antibodies to egg proteins does not necessarily correlate with a severe allergic reaction. Many children with positive IgE tests can tolerate egg in their diet without any problems. Therefore, the decision to vaccinate should be made in consultation with your child's healthcare provider, who can assess the specific allergy history and provide personalized recommendations.

Moreover, it is crucial to weigh the risks of not vaccinating against the flu, especially considering your child's history of recurrent flu infections over the past three years. The flu can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization, and vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza and its associated complications.

In summary, children with egg allergies can receive the flu vaccine, especially if they have not had severe reactions to eggs in the past. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the best course of action, including the possibility of administering the vaccine in a controlled medical environment if there are concerns about the allergy. This approach will help ensure that your child is protected against influenza while also addressing the allergy concerns.

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