The section on egg allergy in Chapter 6 of the green book (‘Contraindications and special considerations’) has been updated. The main changes are as follows:
MMR vaccine: Previously, the advice stated that specialist advice should be sought for individuals with a history of confirmed anaphylactic reaction after egg-containing food, with a view to immunisation under controlled conditions. The amended advice now states that all children with egg allergy should receive MMR vaccination as a routine procedure in primary care. Children who have had documented anaphylaxis to the vaccine itself should however be assessed by an allergist.
Influenza vaccine: Previously, the advice stated that those with a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to egg should not receive influenza vaccine. The new text states that individuals with an egg allergy may be at an increased risk of reaction to some influenza vaccines and refers to Chapter 19 for detailed information on the administration of influenza vaccine in these patients.
Yellow fever vaccine: There has been to change to the advice – individuals with a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to egg should not receive yellow fever vaccine.
The chapters on mumps (Chapter 23), rubella (Chapter 28) and have also been updated to take into account the new advice for MMR.