We often receive enquiries about giving immunisations to children who have egg allergies. This information is to help guide decisions in primary care as to who needs specific consideration.
Here is the current UK immunisation schedule. This can be found here https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/855727/Greenbook_chapter_11_UK_Immunisation_schedule.pdf
Please note that in some Boroughs, the second MMR is offered at 18 months of age, instead of at 3 years 4 months.
Influenza
Children who have an egg allergy can still be immunised using the standard influenza vaccine, in primary care or school. Current preparations contain very low doses of ovalbumin and have been shown to be safe. The exception to this is a child who has had a previous anaphylactic egg reaction, severe enough to have been admitted to an intensive care unit. There are no data available for this group and therefore, it is advised that this should be done in a hospital setting, with the intranasal vaccine.
MMR
Children with an egg allergy can, and should be offered MMR immunisation as standard in a primary care setting. There is no evidence that individuals with egg allergy are at greater risk of anaphylaxis following MMR. Anaphylaxis post MMR is extremely rare. If a child has had a possible anaphylactic reaction following their first MMR, advice should be sought before proceeding with any further doses. It is important to consider the risk of not being fully immunised versus the risk of giving the immunisation. We are happy to discuss this via Kinesis .
If your concerns are not answered by the ‘Green Book’ (see under Supporting Information), please contact us via Advice & Guidance on ERS to discuss.
The ‘Green Book’ has comprehensive information on all things to do with immunisation. The most relevant chapters are below:
Influenza:
MMR:
Chapter 8: Vaccine safety and the management of adverse events following immunisation:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/147868/Green-Book-Chapter-8-v4_0.pdf
