American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam

Can a patient with an egg allergy receive the inactivated flu vaccine?

1. No, it is contraindicated

2. Yes, they can receive it safely

3. Only if they are desensitized first

4. Yes, but only under medical supervision

The correct answer is: Yes, they can receive it safely

A patient with an egg allergy can safely receive the inactivated flu vaccine. This is important to understand because the inactivated flu vaccine is not manufactured with live viruses, and any residual egg protein in the final product is at very low levels, which generally does not trigger an allergic reaction. Current guidelines from health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicate that individuals with egg allergies can receive either the standard inactivated flu vaccine or the recombinant flu vaccine, which is entirely egg-free. It's crucial to differentiate this from other vaccines or treatments that may contain significant amounts of egg protein or may require further precaution. For instance, the live attenuated flu vaccine (nasal spray) is typically not recommended for patients with severe egg allergies. Additionally, the emphasis on medical supervision or desensitization is not required for the inactivated flu vaccine, simplifying the process for those who need to be vaccinated.