A member asked:

I have a severe allergy to eggs and penicillin. can i have a flu shot?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Risk/benefit?: People with egg allergy may have a reaction because the vaccine may contain some amount of egg protein. When egg allergy is suspected, patients be can skin tested to the flu vaccine. If the test is positive, the severity of the reaction and the risk/benefits of administering the vaccine should be evaluated. Otherwise, there are meds (tamiflu) that can be given if you actually get the flu.

Answered 1/8/2013

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Dr. Michael Zacharisen answered

Specializes in Allergy and Immunology

Yes, with caution: Penicillin allergy has no relevance to influenza vaccine. Egg allergy is not a problem if reaction was limited to hives. If the reaction was anaphylaxis and near death, then most allergists would be cautious. Skin testing with the vaccine has not been found to predict an allergic reaction. Approaches include administration of 10% of the dose then 90% or just not receive it. See an allergist.

Answered 3/21/2015

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

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