According to research published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Americans who are allergic to eggs can now receive the flu vaccine without seeing an allergy specialist.
In the past, people with egg allergy were advised to explore egg-free flu vaccination options. Most flu vaccines administered today are manufactured using chicken eggs and contain trace amounts of a protein called ovalbumin.
But a paper published Tuesday in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found the flu shot to be safe and recommended its use for people who are allergic to eggs.
According to a press release accompanying the new report, it is no longer necessary to:
- See an allergy specialist for the flu shot.
- Give special flu shots that don’t contain traces of egg.
- Require longer-than-normal observation periods after the shot.
- Ask about egg allergy before giving the vaccine.
