Can I get a flu shot if I am allergic to egg whites?
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Stacy Wiegman answered:If you've ever had a severe allergic reaction to egg whites, or eggs in general, you should not get a flu shot. This is because the vaccine is made using viruses grown in chicken eggs. If you have a mild egg allergy, talk to your doctor. An allergy specialist may be able to give you a flu shot under carefully controlled conditions.If you've ever had a severe allergic reaction to egg whites, or eggs in general, you should not get a flu shot. This is because the vaccine is made using viruses grown in chicken eggs. If you have a mild egg allergy, talk to your doctor. An allergy... More -
Dr. Diana Blythe of Pediatric Associates answered:Even if you have an allergy to egg whites, you can probably still get the flu shot. For most people with an egg allergy, the risk of getting the flu is higher than the risk of having problems with the flu shot. Now if your allergy to egg whites is a severe one such as anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening allergic reaction, you should talk to your allergist before receiving the flu shot.Even if you have an allergy to egg whites, you can probably still get the flu shot. For most people with an egg allergy, the risk of getting the flu is higher than the risk of having problems with the flu shot. Now if your allergy to egg whites is a... More
