September 1, 2022
Dear Colleagues:
Over the last few years, a number of publications have found vaccination of egg allergic patients with the influenza vaccine to be very safe. Recent studies document low amounts of ovalbumin (egg protein) in the influenza (flu) vaccine. Although there will always be a very small risk of anaphylaxis, the data suggest that the risk is very low for patients with egg allergy and that they can receive the influenza vaccine like other individuals.
Therefore we recommend for children with egg allergy (including egg induced anaphylaxis):
- Administer in one dose
- Vaccine may be given in the primary care office providing expertise and equipment to manage anaphylaxis is available.
We hope this is helpful to you in your planning for immunization of your egg allergic patients.
Sincerely,
Andrew J. MacGinnitie MD, PhD
Clinical Director, Division of Immunology
Boston Children’s Hospital
References
- Egg-allergic patients can be safely vaccinated against influenza. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012:130;25-40.
- Adverse reactions to vaccine practice parameter 2012. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012:130;1213-1215.
- Update on influenza vaccination of egg allergic patients. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013:111;301-302.