Is the flu shot safe for kids with egg allergies?

The simple answer is: yes, it's safe.

Experts are now confident that children with egg allergies are at no greater risk of a reaction to the flu shot than other children. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that all children with an egg allergy can receive the vaccine.

Is there egg in the flu shot?

Yes, but only a very small amount. J. Andrew Bird, M.D., pediatric allergy specialist at Children's Health℠, explains, "Several studies over the past five-plus years have shown there is a very negligible amount of egg protein in the flu shot."

In the past, experts recommended that children with an egg allergy get the flu shot in a health care facility, and then closely monitoring them for 30 minutes. Dr. Bird says this half hour of monitoring is no longer necessary.

Flu shot benefits

Flu vaccines are very important for your family's health and for the health of the people in your community. "Each child – regardless of allergy – should receive a flu vaccine," urges Dr. Bird.

There are several benefits of receiving an annual flu vaccine. If your child gets a flu shot, it can:

• Prevent the flu entirely

• Make flu symptoms less serious

• Reduce hospitalization and number of deaths related to the flu

• Reduce the number of days missed from school and work (for parents)

• Reduce how many people around you get sick

It's even more important for children to get a flu vaccine if they are immune-compromised or have asthma. That's because they are at higher risk of developing a severe illness if they come in contact with the flu.

Other allergic reactions to getting the flu shot

Dr. Bird points out that there are other potential allergens in the flu vaccine, besides the egg protein. "If your child has had a past reaction to the flu vaccine, that's a separate issue and your child should be evaluated by an allergist."

An allergist can help you figure out what your child may have reacted to in the vaccine, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Get care now

You can also videoconference with a health care provider 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with Virtual Visit by Children's Health Virtual Care. Learn more and download the Virtual Visit app today.