Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE): Safety of Influenza Vaccines for Persons with Egg Allergy

    MMWR recomm. rep; 72 (2), 2023
    Publication year: 2023

    Most of the influenza vaccines currently approved and available in the United States are produced by the propagation of influenza viruses in eggs (1-7). These vaccines therefore can contain small quantities of egg proteins. As of the 2022-23 influenza season, ACIP has recommended annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged 6 months and older with egg allergy, regardless of severity of previous allergic reactions to egg and with any licensed influenza vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for the recipient’s age and health status (8). For those with a history of severe allergic reaction to egg (defined as any symptom other than hives), an additional recommendation has been made that such individuals be vaccinated in a medical setting, supervised by a provider who is able to recognize and manage a severe allergic reaction. This recommendation differs from those of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which since the 2016-17 influenza season has recommended that no measures beyond those recommended for any recipient of any vaccine are needed for persons with egg allergy (9). Such measures are also not recommended by the Joint Task Force of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) (10). Additionally, vaccination providers are recommended to be prepared for the possibility of severe allergic reactions when administering any vaccine to any recipient (11). The current review was performed to assess whether the safety of influenza vaccines for persons with egg allergy favors routine vaccination of this population without additional measures, regardless of severity of previous allergic reactions to egg.