For years, people with an egg allergy have been told to avoid or take special precautions when getting a flu shot because most influenza vaccines are grown in eggs and contain a tiny amount of egg protein.

An updated practice parameter from the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters stresses that people with egg allergy should receive their yearly flu shot, and that no special precautions are required.

The guidelines are published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

The updated parameter stresses that no special precautions are needed or recommended for those with egg allergy. There is no longer a need to:

  • See an allergy specialist for the flu shot.
  • Give special flu shots that don’t contain traces of egg.
  • Require longer-than-normal observation periods after the shot, or
  • Even ask about egg allergy before giving the vaccine.

If the vaccine is age-appropriate, it can be used for anyone with or without egg allergy.

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