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Allergies and intolerances

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Original poster

Egg allergy and flu jabs

14 replies

trixymalixy · 28/12/2010 23:46

DS is allergic to egg. He had the MMR no problems , but nurse at GP surgery refused to give him the flu jabs. They are trying to get hold of some Celvepan for him, but the main flu jab is also egg based with no alternative AFAIK.

Are they right to be cautious? They were perfectly happy to give the MMR, is ther s bf difference?

Anyone else had this?

OP posts:
Original poster
trixymalixy · 28/12/2010 23:47

That should be: is there a big difference

OP posts:
hwhite6 · 29/12/2010 09:13

It depends how the vaccine is cultured. The MMR is grown on chick embyros, so doesn't have and egg protein in it; the 'normal' flu jab is grown slightly differently and does/may contain the hen's protein and could induce a reaction. I don't know if there's a 'normal' flu jab alternative that is egg free.
There is a Swine flu jab that is egg free - it's the Baxter vaccine and you will need to ask for it to be sent to your nurse before your appointment.
HTH.

Original poster
trixymalixy · 30/12/2010 17:42

He had the flu jab at the hospital today when he was in for an allergy appointment anyway. The consultant said the same re the difference in the vaccines.

OP posts:
BubsMaw · 09/01/2011 20:05

Has anyone got any more info on this? I have the same dilemma, DD has egg allergy and was given her MMR vacc OK. We have an appt tomorrow for seasonal flu vacc (myself and both DC) but I'm wondering whether it's worth taking DD out of school early as she's unlikely to be given it? We have a letter from her allergy consultant explaining why it's OK for her to have the MMR (our practise nurse was reluctant to give her MMR vacc). I don't expect the nurse will be willing to break protocol unless I have a sound argument for going ahead (and nor would I want to risk making her ill).

Her egg allergy isn't serious, e.g. she's never had anaphylactic shock.

Anyone with any info to add to the above? Thank you!

Original poster
trixymalixy · 09/01/2011 22:49

Bubs, DS's allergy consultant said the flu jab was likely to contain egg whereas the MMR doesn't, so was happier for him to have it in hospital.

OP posts:
orangina · 09/01/2011 22:56

I took my ds in for a flu jab last week, and was offered option for egg allergic person (which I didn't take up as no need).... there is obviously egg in the "standard" vaccine and therefore an egg free version.....

BubsMaw · 10/01/2011 00:38

I was hoping for more info about what type of protein, and in what quantities (like a possibility of a trace, or something more abundant than that). hwhite6 above mentions hen's protein. A quick google search finds info stating flu vaccines are cultured on chicken embryo so this sounds just the same as MMR, but I'm having trouble verifying sources.

This article would imply for most egg allergic individuals a flu vaccine is safe, but it is ambiguous.

I think I'll just take DD along to appt, armed with my letter from consultant that we had to get for MMR vaccine, and see what happens.

Original poster
trixymalixy · 10/01/2011 08:58

I really don't know much about it, but what I think the consultant said was that the MMR is cultured in hen embryos, but the flu jab is cultured using the egg? So more chance of a reaction.

OP posts:
ariane5 · 10/01/2011 09:11

my gp said they cant get celvapan for my ds and dd who are both severly egg allergic and have other health problems so really need the jab, they said its last years vaccine and not available anymore, im so worried i havntsent ds to pre school as i know if he or dd2 catch it they will be really ill with it.im so worried.

BubsMaw · 10/01/2011 13:32

DD's letter re. MMR vaccine being safe for those with egg allergy was from Adam Fox of St. Thomas'. It refers to the position statement of the British Society of Allergy and Immunology. I checked this Society's guidance re. flu vaccines, link below, you'll have to wade through quite a lot of text to get to tge relevant part approx 2/3 down...

www.bsaci.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=117&Itemid=139

This is quite informative, but the guidance relates to flu vaccines generally, rather than any one specific manufacturer's vaccine. Dates from 2008, so pre- swine flu. The info is still useful though.

BubsMaw · 10/01/2011 13:33

Actually it's the second last paragraph, way down at the bottom...

babybarrister · 14/01/2011 15:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

babybarrister · 16/01/2011 22:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

lukewarmmama · 02/02/2011 11:21

I agree, its bonkers given that allergies/asthma are all on the same spectrum really. Luckily DD1 (anaphylactic to egg plus has asthma) had her egg free swine flu jab last year, but from what I understand, she won't be getting any seasonal flu jab. Bonkers, since its having a cold that triggers her worst asthma attacks (hospitalisation). Not sure what we can actually do though?

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