Help for all children suffering from egg allergies

Monday 4th January 2010

With Swine Flu still taking its hold on many people across the world, there is still a worry as to what happens should a child suffering from an egg allergy need vaccinating. The normal H1N1 vaccine is grown in eggs which sparked fears that any child suffering from an egg allergy could obtain a severe allergic reaction to the vaccination.


However, doctors at Riley Hospital for Children at Clarian North, United States, think they may have found the answer in spaced-out administrations of the vaccination. The technique is known as a desensitization one, and Dr. Leickly of the Indiana University School of Medicine believes that by “creeping up” on the immune system with a vaccination you can avoid any serious allergic reactions. The vaccine can instead be spaced-out through two separate injections at half an hour apart, avoiding reactions that can lead to rashes or severe anaphylactic shocks. Depending on the severity of the allergy, the injections can also be administered in even smaller doses, with up to six injections of it.

With up to 4% of children suffering from egg allergies, this has been a concern for many healthcare professionals, particularly with limited funds in areas to be able to provide an alternative to the vaccine. It is also a great concern for many parents of egg allergy sufferers as the flu can lead to further serious health problems if left untreated, facing many parents with the dilemma of whether to risk allergy or the flu. Doctors hope that their spaced-out vaccines will catch on and not only offer an alternative for the children but peace of mind for the parents. If your child is suffering from an egg allergy and you are concerned about the risks of them catching flu then you should contact your doctor.



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