Children Once in Danger of Flu Shot Can Get Vaccinated, Experts Say

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130111101236.htm

Jan. 11, 2013 — The flu is responsible for the hospitalization of more than 21,100 children under the age of five annually. Yet according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), up to 2 percent of children may not be receiving the vaccination this year.

The reason? The flu shot has been historically associated with severe side effects in individuals with egg allergy. But ACAAI allergists have found that administration is safe even in children with a history of a severe allergic reaction to eggs.

"The influenza vaccine is grown in chicken eggs, therefore it contains trace amounts of egg allergen," said allergist James Sublett, chair of the ACAAI Public Relations Committee. "It has been long advised that children and adults with an egg allergy do not receive the vaccination, however, we now know administration is safe. Children and adults should be vaccinated, especially when the flu season is severe, as it is this year."

A study published in the December 2012 issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, ACAAI's scientific journal, showed that flu vaccinations contain such a low amount of egg protein that it won't cause children to have an allergic reaction.

"The benefits of the flu vaccination far outweigh the risks," said Dr. Sublett. "The best precaution for children that have experienced anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, after ingesting eggs in the past is to receive the vaccination from an allergist."

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