New Flu Shot Ok for Egg Allergy Patients

With the help of medical science, those with severe egg allergies may no longer need to worry when receiving a flu shot. A new vaccine has been made to prevent the outbreak of various allergic reactions, according to a federal advisory panel on Thursday. Officials note that a new Flu vaccine is prepared without eggs, and a brilliant option for adults with severe allergies.

Allergic reactions for those with egg allergies can be deadling, with symptoms that usually occur in a few minutes to hours after consumption. Signs of illness can range from mild to severe and include skin rashes, hives, nasal inflammations and vomitting and other digestive problems. Though egg allergies rarely cause anaphylaxis-a life threatening reaction, the allergy can occur as early as infancy, and continue on even into adulthood.

Cell technology is used to create the new Flubok vaccine, which was licensed in January by Protein Science Corporation.

Officials are uncertain as to how many Americans skip annual flu shots due to their fears of allergies. However, this new vaccine is not for children and is only licensed for adults between 18 and 49, according to the company's website.  

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has the responsibility of advising the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It gave the approval for Protein Science's FluBlok for the 2013-14 season in a 13 to 0 vote.

The drug got the clearance from the Food and Drug Administration on Jan 16.