Getting Your flu shot – egg allergy is no longer a contraindication
Getting Your flu shot – egg allergy is no longer a contraindication
Millions of people across the globe suffer from allergies, one of which is egg allergy. In recent years, there has been a change in guidelines regarding egg allergies regarding getting the flu vaccine.
Previously, egg-allergic patients were advised not to get the flu vaccine due to the risk of anaphylaxis. However, new guidelines recommend that egg-allergic patients not be dissuaded from getting the flu vaccine. Although there is always a small risk of anaphylaxis after getting the flu shot, the risk of this happening after getting the flu jab is very low. So whether you’re pregnant or have an egg allergy, give these updated guidelines a try and see for yourself!
What are the new egg allergy guidelines?
For years, egg allergies have been considered a contraindication to receiving the flu vaccine. However, this is no longer the case. The new egg allergy guidelines state that, regardless of severity, individuals with egg allergy can safely receive the influenza vaccine.
Minor, short-lived side effects from vaccination are common.
The most common side effects after vaccination are mild. They include:
- Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given.
- Mild fever, chills, tiredness, and head, muscle, and joint aches.
- Fainting can also happen after any medical procedure, including vaccinations.
These side effects, rather than being a vaccine allergy, begin an immunological reaction.
Severe allergic reactions to vaccination are infrequent.
There is a minimal risk of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) to any vaccine, but this is extremely rare. As such, you are advised to stay at the clinic, GP, or pharmacy for at least 15 minutes following vaccination for observation.
People with severe egg allergies no longer constitute a contraindication for getting the flu vaccine. This statement is backed up by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. Vaccinating against influenza will still be beneficial in preventing influenza and reducing your risk of serious illness.
Most vaccines do not contain food allergens.
The influenza vaccine is still the best way to prevent the flu, especially during winter months when rates of the disease are highest. The flu vaccine DOES NOT contain food allergens, including dairy products, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and seeds. In fact, there are no traces of these allergens in vaccines at all! ASCIA guidelines state that people with egg allergies are no longer contraindicated from getting the flu shot.
What is known about the safety of egg-containing influenza vaccines?
A lot of concern has recently been raised about the safety of egg-containing influenza vaccines. However, there is no evidence to suggest that having an egg allergy increases the risk of severe side effects linked to these vaccines. As such, people with an egg allergy can receive an influenza vaccine at work when the employer runs a workplace flu vaccination program through a reputable flu provider, pharmacy or GP.
Corporate Care runs workplace flu vaccination programs in Australia and New Zealand. If you are considering organising onsite flu programs, you can do so by contacting flu@corporatecare.com.au or by completing the below form.
International guidelines for vaccinating the egg-allergic individual.
Previously, egg allergy was seen as a contraindication to getting the flu vaccine. However, new guidelines state that egg-allergic individuals can be vaccinated against influenza. This is good news for those with an egg allergy, as it means they now have the option to avoid potential allergies during vaccination season. Vaccination should also be considered even if an individual does not suffer from any other food allergies since influenza can cause similar reactions in people with food allergies.
Should pregnant women also get the flu vaccine?
The answer is yes! Flu vaccinations are always recommended for everyone, pregnant or not. The best way to protect yourself against the flu is by getting vaccinated yearly. Not only will this help you avoid getting sick, but it will also help protect your baby – who is more susceptible to the flu during their early months. So, go get your flu vaccine – it’s the smart and safe thing to do!
When given during pregnancy, the flu shot is the most effective protection against flu, and the vaccine is safe for women and unborn child. Everyone, including other household members and family, should get a flu shot because they may have an active role in looking after the mum and the baby.
Can I get the flu vaccine if I’m allergic to eggs?
You might have heard that egg allergies are now a contraindication for getting the flu vaccine. But is that really the case? The answer is yes; you can still get the flu vaccine if you’re allergic to eggs. It’s important to know that the influenza vaccine is available in different forms, including an egg-free vaccine. So, whether you’re allergic to eggs, make an effort to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza. It’s better for your health, and it could save lives!
Are flu and COVID-19 vaccines safe for people with egg allergies?
With egg allergies no longer being a contraindication for receiving a flu vaccine, it is more important than ever to get vaccinated. Both the seasonal flu and CoV19 vaccines offer significant protection against the viruses, so it is recommended that everyone get vaccinated if recommended by healthcare professionals. As egg allergies are no longer contraindicated, more people can receive the vaccine.
Are there any side effects that could occur after getting the flu vaccine if I have egg allergies?
For years, egg allergies were considered a contraindication for getting the flu vaccine. This was because egg protein is one of the substances used to make the vaccine.
Over time, however, this position has evolved. The flu shot has few side effects. Certain flu vaccines, on the other hand, are produced using eggs. Consequently, egg proteins are present in small concentrations in the shots. However, according to several published reviews, guidelines, and reports, no elevated risk of anaphylaxis is associated with influenza vaccination in persons with egg allergy.
Influenza vaccine and egg allergies.
The current flu shots in Australia and New Zealand are from the influenza virus grown in hens’ eggs. Each vaccine dose contains less than one microgram of residual egg ovalbumin after it has been purified. This is substantially lower than the amount of egg protein that someone with an egg allergy might consume, which is believed to be 130 micrograms.
“When the flu vaccines are made, the virus is grown in the yolk of fertilised hens eggs,” University of Sydney pharmacologist Professor Peter Carroll said in an ABC article about the role of chicken eggs in making the influenza vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get the flu shot if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes. To protect the mother and the unborn baby, the Australian Department of Health advises that pregnant women receive the influenza vaccine at any point in their pregnancy. The influenza vaccination is not recommended for babies under six months of age.
Can I get a flu shot even if I have egg allergies?
You can get a flu vaccine even if you have egg allergies.
Is it still a good idea to get my flu vaccine if I have an Egg Allergy?
According to several published reviews, influenza vaccination does not pose a greater risk for anaphylaxis in individuals with egg allergies. With no cases of anaphylaxis occurring after receiving an inactivated influenza vaccine, a 2012 review of published studies included 4172 egg-allergic patients (513 with a history of severe egg allergy).
Conclusion
There is no evidence that having an egg allergy increases the risk of developing an adverse response to the current influenza vaccines. As a result, influenza vaccination may be administered in a general care facility to persons allergic to eggs.
It’s also critical that health care professionals such as Nurse Immunisers are knowledgeable about and capable of managing possible anaphylaxis, including adrenaline). After receiving the vaccination, observations should be made for at least 15 minutes.
- Behind the Syringe
- Flu Insights
Introducing Aitor Aspiazu, your go-to flu expert and a Registered Nurse accredited by AHPRA (NMW0001159845). Boasting over two decades of experience in healthcare, Aitor has navigated everything from Emergency Departments to Corporate Wellness Programs—and yes, he’s even battled the flu himself. As the Founder and Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care, he’s the driving force behind workplace health and well-being. No longer in scrubs, he’s now at the forefront of healthcare innovation, leveraging Artificial Intelligence and automation to revolutionise workplace health and well-being. As the Founder and Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care, he’s the visionary behind cutting-edge flu vaccination programs that keep businesses running smoothly. Off-duty, he’s a proud dad and a Padel addict who represented Australia in the World Padel Championship. Trust Aitor; he’s got your back when it comes to flu prevention and modern healthcare solutions.