Egg allergy and vaccines in children: three things to say before vaccination
Egg allergy no longer means all vaccines must be avoided. This article explains that most vaccines no longer need to be avoided as a rule, how to tell the doctor about an allergy history before vaccination, and how to observe afterwards.
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Why is egg allergy linked to vaccines?
Some vaccines are made using chicken embryo cells, such as flu vaccines. In the past, this led to advice that people with egg allergy should avoid vaccination. But as manufacturing has improved, the amount of egg material in most vaccines is now very low, and people with egg allergy usually no longer need to avoid them as a rule.
However, different vaccines and different manufacturers use different processes, and the severity of allergic reactions varies from person to person. So the key is not to decide on your own whether vaccination is possible, but to tell the vaccinating doctor your allergy history honestly and let the doctor assess the specific situation.
Before vaccination, how should I explain the allergy history to the doctor?
When you go for vaccination, take the initiative to tell the doctor that your child or you have egg allergy. Explain three things clearly: what reaction occurred after eating egg, how quickly the reaction came on, and whether you have seen a doctor or been in hospital because of the allergy.
If there has ever been swelling of the lips, urticaria (hives), vomiting, wheezing, or even dizziness or difficulty breathing after eating egg, be sure to say so. Also mention if a skin prick test was positive but the person has never actually eaten egg and had a reaction, so the doctor can judge.
Also tell the doctor if there is a current fever, an ongoing asthma attack, or recent use of certain medicines. The doctor will use all this information to decide whether to vaccinate, which vaccine to use, and how long to observe after vaccination.
After vaccination, how should observation be arranged?
After vaccination, you usually need to stay at the vaccination site for observation for a period of time; follow the arrangements on site for the exact length. People with egg allergy are sometimes asked to stay longer, and this is decided by the vaccinating doctor.
During observation, watch for wheals on the skin, swelling of the lips or eyelids, cough, wheezing, hoarse voice, vomiting, pallor, or unusual drowsiness. If anything unusual appears, tell the on-site medical staff immediately.
Keep watching on the same day after going home. A small number of reactions may appear later. If the signs above appear, especially difficulty breathing or poor responsiveness, seek medical care as soon as possible; do not keep watching and waiting at home.
When should I see a doctor?
Seek medical care promptly if any of the following occur after vaccination: widespread urticaria (hives) over the body with itching; swelling of the lips, tongue, eyelids or throat; cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing or hoarse voice; repeated vomiting or abdominal pain; dizziness, pallor, unusual drowsiness or confusion.
These signs may suggest anaphylaxis and need emergency treatment. Do not hesitate just because the vaccine was "just given", and do not treat and observe at home on your own.
If a milder rash appears after vaccination but does not go away, or if parents feel unsure, they can also contact the vaccination site or take the child to see a doctor for the doctor to judge.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
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This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.