SAFETY OF INFLUENZA VACCINATION IN CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ALLERGY TO HEN'S EGGS: A PROSPECTIVE CASE SERIES STUDY

Background: Influenza vaccination guidelines have recommended that pediatricians should consult with allergists in the case of for children with histories of anaphylaxis to hen's eggs. On the other hand, whether such children can be safely vaccinated is unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the safety of influenza vaccination for children severely allergic to eggs.

Methods: The study population consisted severe egg-allergic children that had never been immunized with influenza vaccine. The inclusion criteria of severe egg-allergic children included evidence of serum specific IgE antibodies to egg white or an ovomucoid level of class4 or more and complete elimination of dietary intake of eggs, or occurrence of Sampson Grade 3 to 5 anaphylactic reactions upon egg ingestion. Patients underwent skin prick tests, and received 0.1ml of influenza vaccine, followed in 30 minutes if no reaction with the remainder of an age-appropriate dose. We observed the subjects for 30 minutes afterwards, and they were observed by their patients during the subsequent 24 hours.

Results: A total of 17 patients were enrolled. All patients received influenza vaccination without an allergic reaction.

Conclusions: Influenza vaccination is safe even in children with histories of severe egg allergy. influenza vaccination without an allergic reaction.