How Is Flublok Different From Other Influenza Vaccines
Most influenza vaccines are made via an extremely complicated process that starts out with fertilized chicken eggs as a culture for the virus. This traditional method is extremely safe and effective however, advanced technologies have arrived on the scene. Flublok® is the only licensed influenza vaccine on the market that does not use eggs, antibiotics, or live influenza virus in any part of the manufacturing process. approval represents a technological advance in the manufacturing of an influenza vaccine, said Karen Midthun, M.D., director of the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.1 The approval of Flublok stands as one of the most significant improvements in flu vaccine technology in the past 50 years.2 The vaccine is made via a cutting edge, cell-based technology that is very similar to that used to create cervical cancer vaccines. The FDA has also referred to Flublok as Revolutionary.3 According to Jerry P. Weir, Ph.D., the director of the Division of Viral Products in the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Flublok® is an important advance that will supplement egg-based vaccines.3 Flublok® is also preservative-free.
Why Is The Flu Vaccine Important
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious complications from the flu are possible, like pneumonia. It can also cause death in severe cases. The flu causes thousands of hospitalizations and deaths every year, including previously healthy children and adults. While the 2020-21 flu season was historically mild, this is not expected during the upcoming winter season.
It is possible to also get other illnesses such as COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus at the same time as the flu and become very sick. Getting the flu vaccine can help reduce you or your childs risk of severe illness from more than one respiratory infection.
Are Flu And Covid
With egg allergies no longer being a contraindication for receiving a flu vaccine, it is more important than ever to get vaccinated. Both the seasonal flu and CoV19 vaccines offer significant protection against the viruses, so it is recommended that everyone get vaccinated if recommended by healthcare professionals. As egg allergies are no longer contraindicated, more people are eligible to receive the vaccine.
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Flu Vaccine And People With Egg Allergies
Summary:
CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have not changed their recommendations regarding egg allergy and receipt of influenza vaccines. The recommendations remain the same as those recommended for the 2018-2019 season. Based on those recommendations, people with egg allergies no longer need to be observed for an allergic reaction for 30 minutes after receiving a flu vaccine. People with a history of egg allergy of any severity should receive any licensed, recommended, and age-appropriate influenza vaccine. Those who have a history of severe allergic reaction to egg should be vaccinated in an inpatient or outpatient medical setting , under the supervision of a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions.
Most flu shots and the nasal spray flu vaccine are manufactured using egg-based technology. Because of this, they contain a small amount of egg proteins, such as ovalbumin. However, studies that have examined the use of both the nasal spray vaccine and flu shots in egg-allergic and non-egg-allergic patients indicate that severe allergic reactions in people with egg allergies are unlikely. A recent CDC study found the rate of anaphylaxis after all vaccines is 1.31 per one million vaccine doses given.
For the 2021-2022 flu season, there are two vaccines licensed for use that are manufactured without the use of eggs and are considered egg-free:
Changes:
Questions & Answers:
If You Are Allergic To Polyethylene Glycol Or Polysorbate
PEG and polysorbate are closely related to each other. However,
- PEG is an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines. If you are allergic to PEG, you should not get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
- Polysorbate is an ingredient in Novavax and J& J/Janssen vaccines. If you are allergic to polysorbate, you should not Novavax or J& J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Ask your doctor if you can get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
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What Changed And Why
Recent studies have shown that the chance of allergic reaction after a vaccine is incredibly low. According to the CDC, “In a Vaccine Safety Datalink study, there were ten cases of anaphylaxis after more than 7.4 million doses of inactivated flu vaccine, trivalent given without other vaccines, . Most of these cases of anaphylaxis were not related to the egg protein present in the vaccine. CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices continue to review available data regarding anaphylaxis cases following flu vaccines.”
This means that out of 7.4 million people that received a flu shot, only ten people experienced anaphylaxisthe most serious type of allergic reactionand most of those were not related to an egg allergy.
This is a case where the benefit outweighs the risk. The chance of having a true, serious allergic reaction to a flu shot is miniscule. The benefits are far greater. Although it is still possible to get the flu after you have been vaccinated, the chances of having severe symptoms and complications are much lower. Most people who get the flu after having received the flu shot experience a shorter duration of the illness and milder symptoms.
If You Are Allergic To An Ingredient In A Covid
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in an COVID-19 vaccine or a diagnosed allergy to an ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get that COVID-19 vaccine. Learn what to do if you had a severe allergic reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you arent able to get one type of COVID-19 vaccine because you are allergic to an ingredient in that vaccine, ask your doctor if you should get a different type of COVID-19 vaccine. Learn about the different types of COVID-19 vaccines.
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The Flu Shot And Egg Allergy
The influenza vaccine, also known as a flu shot, is a vaccine that protects against seasonal influenza . The CDC recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get the flu shot.
There is some confusion about who should not be vaccinated against influenza, particularly among those with an allergy to chicken egg. Influenza vaccines typically contain a small amount of egg protein. Fortunately, recent studies have shown that even people with egg allergy can safely receive the flu vaccine. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology and the American Academy of Pediatrics states that no special precautions are required for the administration of influenza vaccine to egg-allergic patients no matter how severe the egg allergy. Normal precautions for giving vaccines should still be followed as rare case of allergic reactions to vaccines of any type do still occur.
The Allergy Department at the Boulder Medical Center recognizes many patients and parents of pediatric patient with egg-allergy may be reluctant to immunize against the flu. Along with your primary are provider, we can help determine the appropriate type of flu shot for each patient given your age, health history and allergy status. We also are trained in recognizing and treating allergic reactions. The Allergy Department offers flu administration with monitoring for such individuals. Please contact us for more information and to schedule an appointment at 303-440-3083.
Madeline Hoglund, NP-C
Severe Allergic Reactions To Vaccination Are Infrequent
There is a minimal risk of anaphylaxis to any vaccine, but this is extremely rare. As such, you are advised to stay at the clinic, GP, or pharmacy for at least 15 minutes following vaccination for observation.
People with severe egg allergies no longer constitute a contraindication for getting the flu vaccine. This statement is backed up by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy , the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. Getting vaccinated against influenza will still be beneficial in preventing influenza and reducing your risk of serious illness.
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Should Pregnant Women Also Get The Flu Vaccine
The answer is yes! Flu vaccinations are always recommended for everyone, pregnant or not. The best way to protect yourself against the flu is by getting vaccinated yearly. Not only will this help you avoid getting sick, but it will also help protect your baby who is more susceptible to the flu during their early months of life. So, go get your flu vaccine its the smart and safe thing to do!
When given during pregnancy, the flu shot is the most effective protection against flu, and the vaccine is safe for women and unborn child. Everyone, including other household members and family, should get a flu shot because they may have an active role in looking after the mum and the baby.
Egg Allergy And The Flu Shot
The most common reason for an intense allergic reaction to the flu shot is an egg allergy, says Steele. Though there are no eggs in the active component of the vaccine, the shot and nasal spray are manufactured with small amounts of egg protein.
But just because you are allergic to eggs doesn’t mean that you should avoid the flu shot entirely. The CDC says that you should still get the flu shot at your local clinic if you:
- Have some egg allergy symptoms, but you can eat lightly cooked eggs, such as scrambled eggs, without having a reaction.
- Have only gotten hives after eating eggs, without experiencing any other symptoms.
You should get the vaccine under the careful supervision of a healthcare provider in a medical setting if you:
- Have a serious reaction to eating eggs, such as respiratory distress, lightheadedness, swelling under the skin , or recurrent episodes of vomiting.
- Have required an EpiPen or emergency medical help after eating eggs.
You should only avoid the flu vaccine altogether if you have previously had a severe reaction to the flu shot itself.
Additionally, there are egg-free options of the flu shot for those with egg allergies, to be extra safe. For the 2020-2021 flu season, there are two egg-free vaccines: Flublok Quadrivalent and Flucelvax Quadrivalent. These are the safest options for someone with an egg allergy, so contact your local clinic to see if they are available.
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People With Egg Allergy Can Safely Get Flu Shot: Experts
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 23 — Flu vaccination is safe for children and adults with an egg allergy, according to new research that is especially timely in light of the current widespread flu.
“The influenza vaccine is grown in chicken eggs therefore, it contains trace amounts of egg allergen,” Dr. James Sublett, chairman of the public relations committee at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, said in a college news release.
“It has been long advised that children and adults with an egg allergy do not receive the vaccination however, we now know administration is safe,” Sublett said. “Children and adults should be vaccinated, especially when the flu season is severe, as it is this year.”
A study published in the December 2012 issue of the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma& Immunology concluded that flu vaccine contains such a low amount of egg protein that it won’t cause an allergic reaction in children with an egg allergy.
“The benefits of the flu vaccination far outweigh the risks,” Sublett said. “The best precaution for children that have experienced anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, after ingesting eggs in the past is to receive the vaccination from an allergist.”
Each year in the United States, the flu leads to the hospitalization of more than 21,000 children younger than age 5. But up to 2 percent of children may not receive the flu vaccine this year, and egg allergy is a major reason, according to the ACAAI.
More information
Allergic To Eggs It’s Ok To Get A Flu Shot
Sandra A. Fryhofer, MD
Hello. I’m Dr. Sandra Fryhofer. Welcome to Medicine Matters. The topic: Egg-allergic patients can now get flu shots. Here is why it matters.
Twenty percent of the US population comes down with influenza every year. So every year people should be vaccinated against it. But until now patients with egg allergy couldn’t be vaccinated because chicken eggs are used in making vaccine, and there were theoretical concerns that traces of egg protein could trigger a serious allergic reaction.
But the data indicate differently. At least 17 studies of more than 2600 egg-allergic patients showed no serious reactions, including respiratory distress and hypotension. The only reactions were minor, such as hives and mild wheezing.
The likeliest reason for this surprising lack of reaction is the tiny amount of leftover egg protein in the vaccine. There is also good news for the healthcare professional who administers flu vaccines. No skin tests are needed. The results aren’t predictive, and there is no need to divide the dose.
Single-dose studies support giving the entire vaccine dose at one time. There are some special caveats. Egg-allergic patients must get the inactivated flu shot because this is what has been used in studies. They cannot get the nasal flu vaccine. Anyone giving vaccinations should be familiar with egg allergy. After administering the shot, patients should be observed for 30 minutes.
From Medicine Matters, I am Dr. Sandra Fryhofer.
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Mmr Vaccine And Egg Allergies
The MMR vaccine normally is given twice in childhood: once at 15 months, and again in a booster shot at ages four to six. This vaccine is considered safe for people who have even severe egg allergies.
The shot is cultured in chicken embryos, but no traces of egg protein remain in the finished product. Medical researchers have looked at the effects of the vaccine in children with egg allergies, and have found no allergic reactions resulted from getting the shot.
Note that research has shown it’s safe for children with egg allergies to receive the MMR vaccine. Still, if you have concerns about it, you should talk to your child’s pediatrician.
What If I Think Ill Have A Reaction
If you are concerned about the possibility of a reaction, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure the person giving the vaccine knows what to watch for and what to do if a reaction occurs.
Because a majority of life-threatening allergic reactions occur soon after vaccination, there is no need to wait 30 minutes for observation after receiving a flu shot. However, if you get a vaccine and start to experience the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. Use your Epi-Pen if you have one and call 911 or get to the Emergency Room.
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Where Can I Get Flublok
You can get Flublok® at select Passport Health locations.
Safety Information:Flublok® is approved for people 18 years and older to prevent influenza disease. The most common side effect from Flublok® is pain at the site of injection. Other side effects may occur and include fatigue, headache and muscle aches.Flublok® should not be administered to anyone with a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component. Flublok® does not contain any preservatives , antibiotics, egg proteins or latex.Tell the doctor if you have ever experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of receipt of a previous dose of influenza vaccine. If you notice any other problems or symptoms following vaccination, please contact your healthcare professional immediately. Vaccination with Flublok® may not protect all individuals.
Dont Routinely Avoid Influenza Vaccination In Egg
Of the vaccines that may contain egg protein , measles, mumps and rabies vaccines have at most negligible egg protein consequently no special precautions need to be followed in egg-allergic patients for these vaccines. Studies in egg-allergic patients receiving egg-based inactivated influenza vaccine have not reported reactions consequently egg-allergic patients should be given either egg-free influenza vaccine or should receive egg-based influenza vaccine with a 30-minute post-vaccine observation period. Egg-allergic patients receiving the yellow fever vaccine should be skin tested with the vaccine and receive the vaccine with a 30-minute observation period if the skin test is negative. If positive, the vaccine may be given in graded doses with appropriate medical observation.
Measles and mumps vaccines are grown in chick embryo fibroblast cultures and contain negligible or no egg protein. Thus, MMR and PCEC rabies vaccine can be administered to egg-allergic recipients in the usual manner.
Per the Yellow Fever vaccine package insert, egg-allergic recipients should be skin tested with the vaccine prior to administration. If negative, the vaccine can be given in the usual manner, but the patient should be observed for 30 minutes afterward. If the vaccine skin test is positive, the vaccine can be given in graded doses under appropriate medical observation.
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What If You Have An Egg Allergy
Because most influenza vaccine products are made with a small amount of egg protein, previous guidelines advised against using these vaccines in those with a severe egg allergy. This year, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now states that people with egg allergies can receive influenza vaccines as long as they have never had a serious allergic reaction to the actual influenza vaccine or its other ingredients in the past. Specifically:
- People with a hives-only allergy to eggs can receive any licensed, recommended, age-appropriate vaccine.
- Those who report serious reactions to eggs other than hives may receive any licensed, recommended, age-appropriate vaccine, but it should be administered in a medical setting by someone who can recognize and treat severe allergic reactions.
- Prior recommendation to monitor for 30 minutes after receiving the flu vaccine was removed, but the ACIP has a general suggestion to observe patients for 15 minutes after all types of vaccines, though this would not catch delayed serious reactions that happen much later.
- Another option for people 18 years and older is the egg-free recombinant influenza vaccine Flublok.