People with egg or gelatin allergies shouldnt assume that just because theyve had a flu shot safely in the past they will be able to again, according to a new study, presented by Amber M. Patterson, MD, from Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in Phoenix Nov. 11-16, 2010.
Â
Researchers found influenza vaccines (seasonal and H1N1) can contain different amounts of allergenic components, most commonly egg and/or gelatin. These varying amounts of egg and gelatin mean people who are allergic cant assume the flu shot they are getting wont cause a reaction, say researchers.
Â
Allergists suggest that any egg- or gelatin-allergic patient, or anyone with history of severe reaction to any type of influenza vaccine, be tested to the specific vaccine lot number they will be given prior to immunization. It should never be assumed that tolerating one dose of influenza vaccine suggests future tolerance, say the authors.
Â
Egg allergy is the second most common food allergy in children, affecting 1.5-3.2 percent of children. Sixty-eight percent of children outgrow egg allergy by age 16. An allergist can help identify egg allergies and discuss options for flu shots. Since about 70 percent of asthmatics also have allergies, people with asthma should discuss the importance of getting vaccinated with their allergist.
Â
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
IP LifeLine: Layoffs and the Evolving Job Market Landscape for Infection Preventionists
July 11th 2025Infection preventionists, once hailed as indispensable during the pandemic, now face a sobering reality: budget pressures, hiring freezes, and layoffs are reshaping the field, leaving many IPs worried about their future and questioning their value within health care organizations.