Egg Allergy and Flu Vaccines
Recommendations for the administration of influenza vaccine in children allergic to egg have been published, mid September 2009, in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). In summary they are:
- Egg-free, mammalian culture based flu vaccines should be given preferentially to individuals allergic to egg.
- If an egg-free vaccine is not available, only vaccines with a stated maximum egg content <1.2 µg/ml (0.6 µg per dose) should be used in individuals allergic to egg.
- If egg based vaccine is administered to individuals with egg allergy, this should be done in a centre experienced in the management of anaphylaxis.
- A single dose protocol is recommended for those with less severe egg allergy.
- A two dose, split protocol can be used in those with anaphylaxis to egg or those with moderate or uncontrolled asthma.
The full report can be viewed on the BMJ web site.
Reference
Erlewyn-Lajeunesse M. et al.
Recommendations for the administration of influenza vaccine in children allergic to egg.
BMJ 009;339:b3680