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