What flu vaccine can I use with an egg allergy?
There are 2 egg protein-free flu vaccines available in the 2025-2026 season - Flublok for use in adults 18 years and older and Flucelvax injection can be used in those 6 months and older. But the the ACIP now states that people with egg-allergy may receive any flu vaccine (egg-based or non-egg based) that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status. No special safety precautions are needed beyond those recommended for receipt of any vaccine.
- Flublok from Sanofi Pasteur is a recombinant flu vaccine and does not contain any egg proteins. It can be used in people 18 years and older
- Flucelvax is from Seqirus and is a standard dose, cell culture-based flu vaccine used in people 6 months and older.
It should be noted that the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that if you have a history of egg allergy of any severity, you can still receive ANY age-appropriate flu vaccine.
- The ACIP now states that people with egg-allergy may receive any flu vaccine (egg-based or non-egg based) that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status.
- No special safety precautions are needed beyond those recommended for receipt of any vaccine.
- Clinical settings in which vaccines are administered should be equipped to recognize and manage acute allergic reactions.
If you are allergic to eggs you can still be protected, even though many flu shots and the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) are made using egg-based technology.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have additional questions about an egg allergy and the flu vaccine. In most cases, you can get a vaccine to be protected from the flu virus, even if egg-free vaccines are not available.
A previous severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis, a severe life-threatening type of reaction) to any influenza vaccine, regardless of the component suspected of being responsible for the reaction, means you may not be able to receive that vaccine in the future. Always ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure.
This is not all the information you need to know about the flu vaccine for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Influenza (flu). ACIP Recommendations Summary. August 28, 2025. CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/acip/index.html
- Grohskopf LA, Blanton LH, Ferdinands JM, Reed C, Dugan VG, Daskalakis DC. Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2025–26 Influenza Season. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2025;74:500–507. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7432a2
- Influenza Vaccines for 2025-2026. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2025 Sep 29;67(1738):153-8 doi:10.58347/tml.2025.1738a
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