This is a very common concern among parents of children with egg allergy. The current evidence and guidelines are reassuring: the MMR vaccine is safe to give to children with egg allergy, including severe egg allergy, and does not require special precautions beyond the standard post-vaccination observation period. The influenza vaccine, which does contain small amounts of egg protein, may require a 30-minute observation period in children with a history of severe egg-related anaphylaxis, but is also generally considered safe. Yellow fever vaccine is the one where egg allergy does require specific assessment before administration. I discuss the child's specific allergy history and advise accordingly at each vaccination visit.
Written by Dr. Animesh Debbarma, MBBS, MD (Pediatrics), DAACI (Diploma in Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology), Consultant Paediatrician and Pediatric Allergy Specialist, Chandigarh. Phone: 8415036816.
