If a patient has had a severe anaphylactic reaction to eggs in the past, he/she can only get the Recombinant trivalent influenza vaccine. The Recombinant influenza vaccine is made without using eggs. The other flu vaccines are all prepared using eggs.

  • Live attenuated trivalent influenza vaccine
  • Inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine
  • Inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine

Influenza vaccine pearls

  • All pregnant women should get the influenza vaccine regardless of trimester. The vaccine protects the mother and may protect the infant up to 6 months.
  • High-dose influenza vaccines are recommended starting at age 65.
  • An egg allergy is not a contraindication, but the vaccine should be given in a healthcare setting.

 

 Reference

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014;63(32):691-697

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