If you're a parent with children who have food allergies, you may be wondering if the egg-based flu vaccine is safe for them.
The answer is most likely yes, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
The flu vaccine contains egg protein, but can be given to children with allergies if some precautions are taken, according to the researchers.
The doctors argue that not getting the flu vaccine can lead to health complications.
Leaving children with egg allergies - about 2 to 3 percent of all kids - unprotected against the flu can lead to preventable infections and hospitalizations, the Hopkins doctors said. Many children with food allergies have asthma, which puts them at even higher risk for complications from flu.
Even children with severe allergies can probably be vaccinated safely after a skin-prick test to the vaccine to gage the risk for a reaction. These children should get the vaccine from a pediatric allergist.
Children with mild egg allergies can usually get the flu vaccine done at their pediatrician's office.
The Hopkins researchers offer these guidelines for giving flu vaccines to children with egg allergies:
- Get a workup by a pediatric allergist including skin pricking test. Blood tests can detect antibodies against gelatin or egg proteins used in common vaccines.
- Pediatricians can use allergen-free forms of the vaccine. If none is available, the child can be vaccinated with the regular drug but should remain under the supervision of a doctor for several hours in case there is an allergic reaction that needs to be treated.
- Children with known allergies can be given anti-allergy medications such as corticosteroids or antihistamines before a vaccination to help fight off or lessen an allergic reaction.
(Photo by Barbara Haddock of The Baltimore Sun)