Egg allergy is one of the more common
pediatric food allergies. Typically affecting just 0.5% of the pediatric population
(CHOP). Egg allergy even affects 0.2% of adults (1). Someone who is able to eat
lightly cooked egg, for example scrambled eggs, without having an allergic
reaction is not likely to be allergic. Tolerance does not exclude the
possibility of an egg allergy so people who are allergic might be able to
tolerate egg in backed products (1). Testing can be done through skin or blood
testing for immunoglobulin E against egg protein (2).
If someone is allergic to egg
proteins, called albumin, and get hives after eating eggs in addition to having
a history then you are still able get any licensed vaccine that corresponds to
their age (1). However, if the allergy is much more severe the person is still
able to receive any of the licensed vaccines with egg protein in them, like the
flu vaccine (1). However, it is recommended they get the vaccine in inpatient
or outpatient medical setting and be under the supervision of a healthcare
provider in order to be able manage any severe side effects if they occur (1).
Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, November 25). Flu Vaccine and People with Egg Allergies. Retrieved May 6, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/egg-allergies.htm
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (2014,
November 5). Egg Products. Retrieved May 6, 2020, from https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-ingredients/egg-products
