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November 12th, 2009
01:41 PM ET
H1N1 vaccine safe with egg allergy?As a feature of CNNhealth.com, our team of expert doctors will answer readers' questions. Here's a question for Dr. Gupta. From Kali in Florida: My 4-year-old daughter has egg and peanut allergies. Can she still take the H1N1 vaccine? If not what are her choices. I've been getting conflicting answers. Answer: Kali thanks for writing in. We’ve received several questions like yours since the H1N1 vaccine became available. Let me start by saying that if your daughter has a true egg allergy, and not just a sensitivity, then she can not have the H1N1 or the seasonal flu vaccine. The two types of H1N1 vaccine, the shot and the nasal spray, are made with eggs so it is not recommended for people with severe egg allergies. However, allergists we spoke with said people with mild reactions to eggs can get vaccinated. Keep in mind that the amount of egg protein in a vaccine is often less than you would find in most baked goods. So if your daughter has been able to eat bread or cake, she may have a more mild allergy. Consider going to an allergist and ask about getting a skin-prick test. The allergist will have a diluted and non-diluted version of the vaccine. Their first step will be to do the skin-prick test with the undiluted version. If your daughter does not break out in hives or have a strong reaction, then she can have a stronger test with a small, diluted injection. If your child doesn’t have a strong reaction to that test, then her allergy may not be severe and your allergist may give her a flu shot. If your child does have a strong reaction and your doctor believes she shouldn’t get the flu shot, then talk with your health care provider about strategies for keeping her healthy. These steps are basic hygiene, such as washing hands for the count of singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice and staying away from sick friends plus, avoid wiping your eyes and touching your face if possible. I hope this helps and your daughter has a flu-free season
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
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Take a look at an interview with former Finnish health minister Dr. Rauni Kilde. She doesn't recommend any one getting the h1n1 flu shot especially pregnant women and young children. I hope she is wong because all three of my grandchildren have received the h1n1 flu vacine. An investigation into the contents of her statements deserve could prove very interesting.
What do you know to be true or false coming out of the Ukraine in regards to "lungs filled with blood" and "155 degree lungs" "blackened". This obviously would not be H1N1, yet no media is covering it to get to the truth. I have no clue what is true or not, but would find it comforting if one journalist here in the U.S. was actually trying to get to the bottom of it.
My daughter, who is 4, is mildly allergic to eggs, but she's never had the flu shot. I'll ask her allergist about it at her next appt.
In years past, my husband and I, as well as her older sister, would all get the seasonal flu shot to provide her with "herd" immunity.
This year, there are no vaccines to be had in our area of any kind, which is worrisome to us...
None of us have ever had any bad side effects to any vax, I might add. Even when I was pregnant with my first, I got the flu vax (and that kiddo has turned out to be a genius, by the way).
I'll take a 1 in a million chance of a negative outcome from the vax versus 1 in 500 (or greater) if my kid comes down with the real deal.
Plants? I'm o.k. w/eggs, but am heart felt for the allergic.Try some alfalfa, or bamboo. I'm probably over my head. Shoots- try kangaroos, or salmon incubation in a controlled setting. (zoo)? Just throwing ideas out there. We need to conquer this.
IS IT OK TO HAVE A THE H1N1 FLU SHOT IF YOU HAVE A COLD? I WOULD WHERE A MASK IN PUBLIC. I AM SO NERVOUS ABOUT THIS H1N1 AND I AM HIGH RISK.
My 4 1/2 year old son has a severe allergy to eggs and he was just successfully given the seasonal flu vaccine. Because he also has severe asthma, we decided to go for it this year. His allergist administered the vaccine in 4 small doses with significant wait time in between to see if he had any reaction. This was incredibly stressful, but well worth it. If you have a great allergist who you trust, talk to him/her about it. Not sure what we'll do about the H1N1 vaccine – but we are discussing next week at his next appointment.
Finnish health minister Dr. Rauni Kilde, SERIOUSLY? the crazy one who spouts ufo government mind control conspiracy theories? ok. BTW all three of my kids were vaccinated with the H1N1 live virus via the nose, older two not one difference, little one had a really runny nose for two days and that was it. (She is 2 1/2) All three are now NOT going to catch the swine flu and be at risk for death due to lung complications!
Laura, That is a good idea! I didn't realize the vax could be given in small increments. My daughter has never had more than GI issues and minor redness/hives on the skin when she comes in contact with eggs (never anaphlaxis or wheezing, thank God). We'll definitely ask about the smaller dose vax. Thanks!
My son is also allergic to eggs and has asthma. We went to his pediatrician (Allergist didn't have the shot) to get the shot. He had to wait an hour before being released. He had no side effects. He'll be going in next week for his 2nd dose. If your child has a "severe" allergy (RAST of 5 or 6) I'd recommend having your doc give it in multiple small doses and watch for a reaction.
I live in Hawaii and have two healthy sons, age 10 and 15. We have not seen a huge amount of H1n1 in our state however this past September there was a spike., We usually travel in the spring to North America and Mexico. I am about to vaccinate both my sons ; but I just feel such apprehension! My pediatrition said " We don't have a crystal ball". I am at this point choosing to believe that the benefits of the vaccine outway the risks of the virus.....however there is so much INFO out there. I just want to keep them safe!
It is certainly interesting for me to read this article. Thank you for it. I like such topics and anything connected to them. I would like to read a bit more on that blog soon.
Kate Watcerson