Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine may be administered to children with allergy to eggs provided certain precautions are taken.
Parameters:
(1) reaction of the child to eating eggs
(2) presence of active, chronic asthma
Mild allergic reactions following egg ingestion include:
(1) oral reactions
(2) gastrointestinal reactions
(3) localized urticaria
(4) generalized urticaria
(5) other cutaneous reactions
(6) angio-edema
Severe (cardiorespiratory) reactions following egg ingestion include:
(1) difficulty breathing
(2) noisy breathing
(3) stridor
(4) hoarseness
(5) cyanosis
(6) change in consciousness
(7) pallor
(8) hypotension
where:
• An anaphylactic reaction to egg ingestion is a severe reaction. It could be a contra-indication to the vaccination.
Reaction to Eating Eggs |
Active Chronic Asthma |
Action |
none |
NA |
administer vaccination without additional precautions |
mild |
absent |
administer vaccination without additional precautions |
mild |
present |
administer vaccination in the hospital taking all necessary precautions |
any severe (cardiopulmonary) |
NA |
administer vaccination in the hospital taking all necessary precautions |
where:
• Active, chronic asthma is asthma requiring inhaled steroids or other prophylaxis to control symptoms.
• Most infants who have wheezing caused by a viral infection are not considered as requiring inhaled steroids.
If a child does have a reaction to MMR vaccine, then the nature of the allergy needs to be identified. Other constituents in the vaccine (gelatin, antibiotic preservatives, etc.) may be associated with severe allergic reactions.
Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Pharmacology, clinical
ICD-10: ,