Individuals with an egg allergy often wonder if they can safely receive a flu shot. This concern stems from traditional vaccine production methods. Medical understanding and vaccine technology have progressed, offering clear guidance and options for nearly all individuals.
Why Eggs and Flu Shots Are Linked
The historical connection between eggs and flu vaccines originates from the conventional manufacturing process. Influenza viruses used in vaccines have been grown in fertilized chicken eggs. This method involves injecting a live flu virus into an embryonated egg, allowing the virus to replicate over several days. After replication, the fluid containing the virus is harvested, purified, and inactivated to create the vaccine. Due to this process, trace amounts of egg protein, such as ovalbumin, can remain in the final product.
Getting Your Flu Shot with an Egg Allergy
Current medical consensus indicates that most individuals with an egg allergy can safely receive any licensed and age-appropriate flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that an egg allergy does not necessitate additional safety measures for flu vaccination. This guidance applies regardless of the severity of a person’s previous reaction to eggs.
Previously, specific recommendations varied based on the severity of the egg allergy, with more severe reactions sometimes requiring vaccination in a medical setting. However, for the 2023-2024 season, the CDC updated its guidelines, confirming that people with egg allergies can receive any flu vaccine (egg-based or non-egg-based) that is appropriate for their age and health status. All vaccines, however, should be administered in settings where personnel and equipment are available to manage rare severe allergic reactions, as these can occur with any vaccine.
Egg-Free Flu Vaccine Alternatives
For those who prefer an egg-free option, or if recommended, specific flu vaccines are manufactured without eggs. Two primary types are available.
Cell-based vaccines, such as Flucelvax Quadrivalent, grow flu viruses in cultured mammalian cells instead of chicken eggs. Flucelvax Quadrivalent is approved for individuals aged six months and older.
Recombinant vaccines, like Flublok Quadrivalent, use recombinant DNA technology and do not involve flu viruses or eggs in their production. They produce a key flu protein using insect cells. Flublok Quadrivalent is approved for adults aged 18 years and older.