Live Attenuated Flu Vaccine Likely Safe for Children with Egg Allergy

New research from the UK has shown that younger patients with egg allergy can safely receive live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) without suffering adverse anaphylactic reactions. This is despite LAIV commonly containing egg proteins.

Results from a phase IV intervention study yielded no systemic allergic reactions when intranasal LAIV was administered to 779 patients aged 2-18 years with confirmed or suspected egg allergy.

Study participants were monitored for at least 30 minutes after receiving LAIV, with follow-up phone interviews at 72 hours. Nine patients (1.2%) experienced mild symptoms potentially related to an allergic reaction, although none of the study participants had symptoms requiring hospitalization at 72-hour follow-up.

Noting that vaccination guidelines in the US and North America advise against administering LAIV in children under the age of 5 with certain respiratory conditions, the researchers said this study suggests LAIV can be safely given to this group of young people – especially if their symptoms are well controlled. Citing the small number of food allergy deaths that occur in the UK each year (~10), the investigators said even children who previously required intensive care hospitalization resulting from egg allergy-related anaphylaxis can be safely treated with LAIV, but recommended they receive vaccines at “appropriate” healthcare centers.

“LAIV is unlikely to trigger a systemic allergic reaction in young people with egg allergy,” the researchers concluded in their analysis, adding that the study “provides a stronger evidence base to support the safety of using LAIV in young people with egg allergy.”

The complete study findings were published Dec. 8 in The BMJ.

—Drew Amorosi

Reference:

1. Turner PJ, Southern J, Andrews NJ, et al. Safety of live attenuated influenza vaccine in young people with egg allergy: multicentre prospective cohort study BMJ. 2015;351:h6291.