Can people with egg allergies receive the flu vaccine?
Sep 20, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
People with egg allergies should not receive the influenza vaccine. The flu vaccine is produced by injecting influenza viruses into the allantoic cavity of chicken embryos for replication, followed by inactivation through physical and chemical methods, and finally purified to create the vaccine. After administration, the human body produces corresponding antibodies, which enable rapid recognition of the influenza virus and activation of an immune response upon subsequent infection.
In general, individuals with a protein allergy should not receive the influenza vaccine. The detailed explanation is as follows:
The influenza vaccine is produced by inoculating influenza viruses into the allantoic cavity of chicken embryos, allowing the virus to replicate, and then inactivating it through physical and chemical methods, followed by purification. After injection into the human body, the vaccine stimulates the production of corresponding antibodies. When exposed to the influenza virus again, the body can quickly recognize it and trigger an immune response to suppress and eliminate the virus, thus preventing influenza infection. However, certain protein components may be present in the influenza vaccine. Individuals with protein allergies may experience adverse reactions such as redness, swelling, nausea, and vomiting after receiving the vaccine. Therefore, people with protein allergies should avoid getting the influenza vaccine.
In daily life, individuals with protein allergies should carefully check whether complementary foods and snacks contain protein ingredients to prevent allergic reactions. If vaccination is necessary, they should inform their doctor about their allergy history beforehand and receive the vaccine only under medical supervision.
