What flu vaccine can I use with an egg allergy?
There are 2 egg protein-free flu vaccines: Flublok Quadrivalent, for people 18 years and older and Flucelvax Quadrivalent for people 6 months and older. Theses vaccine do not contain egg protein.
- Flublok Quadrivalent, from Sanofi Pasteur, is a recombinant vaccine and does not contain any egg proteins. It can be used in people 18 years and older.
- Flucelvax Quadrivalent, from Seqirus, is a standard dose, cell culture-based vaccine and can be used in people 6 months and older.
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.
- In the 2023-2024 flu season, the ACIP lowered safety recommendations around flu vaccines in people with egg allergy.
- 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.
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 will be eligible to be protected from the flu virus.
A previous severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to any influenza vaccine, regardless of the component suspected of being responsible for the reaction, means you not be able to receive that vaccine in the future.
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
- Grohskopf LA, Blanton LH, Ferdinands JM, et al. Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - United States, 2022-23 Influenza Season. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2022 Aug 26;71(1):1-28. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7101a1.
- 2023-2024 CDC Flu Vaccination Recommendations Adopted. Accessed Aug 10, 2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/2022-2023/flu-vaccination-recommendations-adopted.htm
- Influenza Vaccine for 2022-2023. Medical Letter. Oct. 3, 2022. Accessed June 12, 2023.
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