Selecting the right influenza vaccine is typically straightforward—until a patient reports an egg allergy.
Despite evolving guidance and growing evidence around vaccine safety, uncertainty still arises at the point of care, leaving clinicians to balance patient allergy concerns and the importance of timely vaccination.
In a recent case shared on Healthcasts, clinicians weighed in on which flu vaccines are appropriate for patients with an egg allergy. Drawing from their own experience and current guidance, they shared practical insights on safety, vaccine selection, and how they approach these conversations with their own patients.
Would you give a standard flu shot, an egg-free option, or consider other alternatives? Log in or sign up to share your suggestions and view the consensus summary.
Post:
A 58-year-old female is seeking an annual influenza vaccination. One should use non-egg-based influenza (flu) treatments : (Flublok) and cell-based (Flucelvax) are lab-grown viruses or mammalian cells instead of eggs and are excellent considerations for offering alternatives for egg-allergic individuals; of course, the vaccines noted should be with components the patient is not allergic to as well.
Key takeaways about egg-free vaccine options:
Family Practice
"There is no contraindication to a patient receiving a flu shot that may have some residual egg proteins, as studies show no increased risk of an allergic reaction in these patients."
Family Practice
"Most of the vaccines would be an option, since the amount of egg protein in them is minimal. However, could consider using the recombinant flu vaccine or cell culture vaccine. Would avoid the nasal vaccine as it might flare the asthma."
Family Practice
"Allergic reactions to flu shots with egg component are rare and mild, even with an egg allergy. There are egg-free flu shots available as single-dose vials that can be prescribed and administered."
Family Practice
"Unless it's an actual allergy documented to the vaccine, people with egg allergies can get the regular vaccines. I give them the option of Flublok and Flucelvax if they feel strongly about it. I'd rather they get any flu shot than no flu shot."
Family Practice
"You can use an egg-free flu vaccine. However, it is unlikely that patients with egg allergy will have a reaction to any influenza vaccine. Could give any flu vaccine but would make sure you have an epi-pen available in case the patient does have a reaction."
Have you managed flu vaccination in patients with egg allergies? Visit the full post on Healthcasts to leave a comment and read other perspectives from the community.