“Can an adult or child be allergic to the flu shot?”
I am a 34 year old female. I want to know can an adult or child be allergic to the flu shot?
3 Answers
Yes, it is possible but very rare, so visit your local allergist to confirm a real allergic reaction.
True allergic reactions to vaccines do occur, though they are quire rare. Most of the time, if people have adverse events following a vaccination, they refer to it as allergy. I would advise having a formal consult with an allergist who is trained to recognize and treat true allergic reactions to vaccines, medications, foods, etc.
If allergy to eggs is the concern, the ACIP recommends that the shot be given -- risk is minimal if any. I have never had a problem administering the flu shot with a history of egg allergy. There is a protocol for giving it in divided doses if a patient is nervous, but it is usually not necessary. The flu shot should be avoided if there is a CLEAR history of having an anaphylactic reaction immediately following the injection of the flu vaccine.
