A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan overturns historic recommendations in its findings that children allergic to eggs can safely be vaccinated against the flu, officials announced Tuesday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has historically recommended that children with egg allergies not receive the flu vaccine because the vaccine is grown in embryonated chicken eggs.
A new University of Michigan study has overturned a longstanding recommendation that children allergic to eggs should not receive a flu vaccine.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com file photo
Their most recent findings are responsible for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s announcement that a single dose of the flu vaccine is safe even for children with a severe allergy to eggs.
"Because the prevalence of egg allergy in children is approximately 2 percent, we know there are a significant number of children who don't get the flu vaccine,” according to a statement from Dr. Matthew Greenhawt, lead author of the study and assistant professor of allergy and immunology at U-M’s C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. “This study can put parents' fears to rest and hopefully help more kids avoid the flu.”
Children with egg allergies should be observed for 30 minutes after receiving the flu vaccine in a medical setting, according to U-M researchers.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.