Now that the flu is epidemic, more information is being distributed through the media regarding this issue of egg allergy and the flu vaccine. Here is one from National Jewish Health in Denver that came out today. Changing Advice: Egg-Allergic Patients Should Get Flu Vaccine Without Delay

My dd received the flu shot for the first time this year. She has had severe reactions to miniscule amounts of egg. But she had no reaction to the flu shot! It was quite a relief. Her allergist, who sees many kids with severe egg allergy, said at most he's seen a few kids with minor reactions. The vast majority have not reacted at all.

My son is extremely allergic to egg and gelatin when used in vaccines. When he was 4 years old, he had a severe reaction to his shots. Two months later, he received the flu vaccine (h1n1 as well as reg flu) and had the same reaction within 15 minutes. We saw an allergist who did a skin test proving it was the gelatin and egg. He has heart defects so we tried to do the multi-step flu shot, and he had an immediate reaction. Hives, rapid breathing and pulse, burning inside, lethargy. When he...

I don't feel like this is right, because my little one had a flu shot and he is allergic to eggs and had a severe reaction to it.

I'm sorry to hear that your children had reactions to the flu vaccine. Other components of the flu vaccine like gelatin can cause allergic reactions in some children. Your allergist can sort that out. And of course, if your child did have a reaction to the vaccine, as the article said, that is a different scenario and you'd have to follow up with an allergist for as well.

If it's so safe, why is it recommended that it be given in an allergist's/pediatrician's office? Also, why wouldn't the mist be safe? It sounds like good news but I think I'll still give it a few years for my son in case they change their minds again...

Belgiumite - the flu mist contains live virus; it's a different type of vaccine. The studies the updated recommendations were made on were based on the injectable form of the vaccine. dvk - as a consumer, you make the decisions for your child. However, these guidelines are what the CDC have adopted based on the clinical evidence. Other parents will want this information to initiate a conversation about the flu vaccine with their child's allergist, and that is why we've provided it.

Our allergist says that they have never had an egg-allergic child react iwith ana to the flu vaccine. They give it in the office to be on the safe side (they have all the rescue meds in the unlikely event there should be a reaction). My son has had it the past three years without any issues whatsoever. My son is ana to trace amounts of egg--he has reacted to cross-contamination. He also has asthma and if he gets the flu, he is at increased risk of hospitalization or even death. We have...

My daughter is allergic to eggs and has never passed a flu vaccine skin test. This year is the first time she's ever had a flu vaccine. She developed a rash (not common with her) several hours later. While this may be a reaction to something else, I'm reluctant to have her vaccinated again unless she outgrows the allergy. Her doctor dismissed my concerns completely. We're looking for a new allergist.

I'm pleased to see more studies being done on this topic. More information means we can all make more qualified informed decisions.