Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone older than 6 months and that do not have contraindications. 294,000 people, including 21,000 children less than 5 years old are hospitalized each year due to influenza. An average of 24,000 people die.
A 2012 review of published data noted no occurrence of anaphylaxis after the flu shot in patients allergic to egg.
If your allergy to eggs consists of hives after ingestion: Get your flu shot from your primary care provider. It is recommended that you are observed for 30 minutes after the vaccine dose.
If your allergy to eggs consists of a systemic reaction or required epinephrine:
If you are over 18 years old, there are two new vaccines (Flublok or Flucelax) which are not grown in eggs and can be used.
If this is not available or you are not in the age range, the flu shot should be given by an allergist or someone trained in managing anaphylaxis and you should be monitored for at least 30 minutes after vaccination.
Flu Mist vs Flu Shot??
Both have been shown to be effective in children and adults. It used to be thought that the flu mist (a live attenuated vaccine) was better in children, but data from subsequent studies showed that there wasn’t enough data to demonstrate consistent greater relative effectiveness of the flu mist.
Flu Mist can not be given to those:
- <2 years or >49 years
- who have experienced an allergic reaction the the vaccine or any of its components in the past
- who are pregnant
- who are immunocompromised
- with a history of egg allergy
- ages 2-4 years old who have asthma or a wheezing episode in the last 12 months
- who have taken influenza antiviral medications 48 hours prior to receiving the vaccine
In addition to getting a seasonal flu vaccine if you have not already gotten vaccinated, you can take everyday preventative actions like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others.
Children aged 6 months through 8 years require 2 doses of influenza vaccine (given 4 weeks apart) during their first season of vaccination to optimize the response.
For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Yasharpour, please contact us https://allergybeverlyhills.com/contact-dr-yasharpour/
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/upcoming.htm
Meet Dr. Michelle Yasharpour
Dr. Michelle Yasharpour is a board-certified Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology expert, ready to help diagnose and treat your allergies, asthma, atopic dermatitis/eczema, contact dermatitis, immunodeficiency, urticaria/hives, sinusitis, rhinitis, anaphylaxis, angioedema, and more.
Michelle was a wonderful doctor, and taught me so much about my own allergies. She's a kind, brilliant physician, and operates with upmost professionalism.
Contact Us - We Can't Wait To Meet You!
