In prior years, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised that individuals who have egg allergies should consult with their physicians prior to getting the flu shot. This is because certain formulations of the flu shot are manufactured with egg proteins, and exposure to these proteins has the potential to cause a hypersensitivity reaction among individuals with egg allergies.
In 2018, however, the CDC altered its recommendations regarding the flu shot and individuals who have minor egg allergies. Now, according to the CDC:
“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 (i.e., any symptom other than hives) should be vaccinated in an inpatient or outpatient medical setting (including but not necessarily limited to hospitals, clinics, health departments, and physician offices), under the supervision of a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions.”
The CDC goes on to clarify that, “[p]ersons with a history of egg allergy who have experienced only hives after exposure to egg should receive [a] flu vaccine,” and that, “[a]ny licensed and recommended flu vaccine,” is appropriate for individuals with such a history. For individuals who have had more serious allergic reactions to eggs, the CDC recommends vaccination and supervision, “by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions.”
According to the CDC, a prior severe allergic reaction to a flu shot remains, “a contraindication to future receipt of the vaccine,” meaning that an individual who has had a prior allergic reaction to the flu shot should consult with his or her doctor prior to getting vaccinated.
CDC Data Indicate Risk of Severe Allergic Reaction to Vaccination is Low
The CDC revised its recommendations based upon the results of a study which found that the rate of severe allergic reactions among vaccine recipients is 1.31 per one million vaccinations. This rate applies across all vaccines, not just the flu shot. Based on the extremely low likelihood of vaccine recipients experiencing anaphylaxis, the CDC has concluded that it is no longer appropriate to recommend against influenza immunization for individuals who have only minor egg allergies.
What if You Experience a Severe Allergic Reaction to the Flu Shot?
While the prevalence of severe allergic reactions to the flu shot and other vaccines may be low, many people still experience anaphylaxis resulting from flu shots and other immunizations each year. For those who experience anaphylaxis, it is important to speak with an attorney about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP provides compensation to individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related medical conditions, and you can hire a vaccine attorney to handle your VICP claim at little or no out of pocket cost. Learn more: What are My Rights After a Vaccine Injury?
Request a Free Consultation with Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant
Leah V. Durant is a vaccine attorney who represents individuals and families in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program nationwide. To speak with Ms. Durant about filing a claim for anaphylaxis, call 202-800-1711 or request a free initial consultation online today.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.