Flu shot and egg allergy

Mrs. Stew

Hi ladies, I'm looking for some advice.  My DH has anaphylaxis reaction to raw egg whites, so he can't get the flu shot.  DD is almost two months old and is due for the flu shot in mid-February.  I'm concerned about giving it to her because of DH's allergies (he is also allergic to tree nuts).  Also, the flu season is mostly over by the time she'd get the shot - is it even worth it?  Is there some way they can test if she has the egg allergy before they give her the shot?  Her pedi said they would watch her after the shot, but I'm still concerned.  TIA!

FutureMrsWittig

There are blood tests they can do for food allergies, but Idk how accurate they are.  I had one when I was 14 that said I had a sensitivity to almonds but no other food allergies. I have never had a problem eating almonds.  But raspberries send me into anaphylaxis.

magdusia

IMO i would just skip it. Especially since allergies run in your family.  I would be a lot more cautious around school aged kids and anyone that is sick.

I'm not a fan of the flu shot in general and thankfully so! b/c last year i could have done a lot of harm to my LO if i gave it to him. I didn't and he does have the egg allergy. 

 

watermelonmargarita

magdusia:

IMO i would just skip it. Especially since allergies run in your family.  I would be a lot more cautious around school aged kids and anyone that is sick.

I'm not a fan of the flu shot in general and thankfully so! b/c last year i could have done a lot of harm to my LO if i gave it to him. I didn't and he does have the egg allergy. 

 

I agree. Just skip it. Why take the risk.

We were in a similar boat last year. We were un aware of my DS's food allergies at the time. Thank god we passed on the shot.

Thats not to say your child will re act that way but if you know allergies are in the family, I would pass.

Fuzzy8252

We are firm believers in the flu shot, mainly because DH travels for work 100% of the time. The last thing we need is for DH to bring something home, then leave for the week, and DD to get sick... or worse, for me to get sick. Espeicially with DS due anyday now.

That being said, DD is severly allergic to egg whites. We did the flu shot challenge with her last year and just did it again this week, both times in the allergists office. It's about a 2.5 hour appointment, where they monitor her the whole time. She's never had any reaction to it.

Lil Kate

I would skip it until she is a bit older.  I would make sure you get it for sure and can your DH have the egg free one to amke sure you guys are rpotected to protect her?You can have a test done to see if she is allergic to the flu shot with egg in the future. My allergist will test DS for the flu shot since he is allergic to eggs.  He had the flu shot last year (we didn't know he was allergic) and he did not have a reaction as far as I remember.

g_belle

J's egg numbers are sky high and we still do the flu shot.  He has asthma and the flu can quickly escalate into lung issues for him.  Last year we did a graduated version of the shot.  This year there is less egg protein than ever in the shot an our allergist is giving him the whole thing at once.  We will hang out in their office for a while as a precaution.  B will be getting the shot also. 

that said- if your LO isn't old enough for the shot until February anyway- I'd probably skip it this year.  Unless she's in a huge daycare center or if you fly/travel a lot then I might consider it.  

 

Mrs. Stew

Thanks ladies.  I'm leaning towards her not getting it at all this year, since it will be mid-February by the time she will be old enough to get it.  I stay at home and we don't travel much, and I'm planning on getting the flu shot to help protect her.  I'm thinking of making an appointment with an allergist, just to get some of my questions answered.

Court0026

g_belle:

J's egg numbers are sky high and we still do the flu shot.  He has asthma and the flu can quickly escalate into lung issues for him.  Last year we did a graduated version of the shot.  This year there is less egg protein than ever in the shot an our allergist is giving him the whole thing at once.  We will hang out in their office for a while as a precaution.  B will be getting the shot also. 

that said- if your LO isn't old enough for the shot until February anyway- I'd probably skip it this year.  Unless she's in a huge daycare center or if you fly/travel a lot then I might consider it.  

 

This.  Almost exactly.