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Can my child have the MMR if they are allergic to eggs?.
A
The MMR vaccine is actually
grown on chicken egg cells, so parents of children with egg allergy are concerned
about their child having the vaccine. However, the Department of Health recommends
that you still have your child immunized. This is because research has shown that
the vaccine should not present a problem to children with a known mild egg allergy,
as the researchers found that any reactions were not actually linked to the egg
antigens, but to other parts of the vaccine, such as gelatine. So it is very important
that your child still has the MMR vaccine.
Nonetheless, if your child has had a known severe anaphylactic
(allergic) reaction to eggs, then your GP will ensure that your child still
has the MMR vaccine, but in a controlled environment with the care of a Paediatrician.
This will provide some peace of mind to parents with children in this category,
since their fear is of a possible adverse reaction following the vaccine occurring
when they are on their own with their child!
Usually your child will be admitted as a day case to the hospital and the vaccine
will be administered with the safe supervision and care of the paediatric team.
This is so that in the unlikely event of anaphylaxis occurring, the team can
act swiftly to manage any symptoms and keep your child safe.
This really shows how important it is for your child to have
the MMR vaccine as the diseases it prevents is far more dangerous than the vaccine
itself.
health visitor
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