How is it that i can get the h1n1 swine flu vaccine if i have an egg allergy?

Some ok with vaccine: Many people have only mild allergic reactions to eggs, and some people say the had past egg allergies but now eat eggs without problems. For the mildly allergic, they can get blood-tested and skin-tested. If egg allergy shows up on the tests, they can still talk to the allergist about trying a flu shot under supervision at the clinic. People with severe egg allergy should not get the vaccine.

Research and experie: Becuase research and clinical experience has shown that most people with true egg allergy are not having issues with flu shots, either when half dosed or full dosed. The current recommendations are available for your doc to work through these concerns with you and to see if you can get the shot. See ww.Cdc.Gov for more info on egg allergies and flu shots.

Evolving Answer: The past 2 -3 years has seen an change in the thoughts regarding egg allergy and flu vaccine. What has been clear is that almost everyone with egg allergy can get the flu vaccine. What has evolved over the past 1-2 years is how that vaccine should be given. This needs to be discussed with your allergist. If someone tells you that you can't get the flu shot b/c of egg allergy, seek another opinion.

No egg in vaccine: Viruses used to make influenza & MMR vaccines are grown on hen's eggs. The manufacturing process removes all egg from mmr. A few lots of flu vaccine retain traces of egg & may cause problems in patients with egg anaphylaxis. Most such patients can receive flu vaccine with appropriate safety measures either skin testing to vaccine before injection or vaccinating in 2 doses, the 1st a low test dose.