My child is allergic to eggs, can he/she get a flu shot?

Since the influenza vaccine is made in chicken eggs, it is possible to have egg protein exposure when receiving the vaccine. This potentially could lead to problems in a severely egg allergic child, making this a contraindication for receiving "flu shots".

However, if a child has a history of a mild egg allergy (not a recent systemic reaction), it is generally safe for him/her to get the flu shot. Recommendation suggested in kids with a history of a mild egg reaction: Give 1/10 of the flu shot at the pediatrician's or allergist's office, and wait 30 minutes. If tolerated well, administer the remainder of the vaccine and observe in the office for another 30 minutes so that treatment can be promptly rendered in the unlikely case of allergic reaction.