Risks, Allergies and Adverse Effects

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated for the Flu

  • People with a severe allergy to chicken eggs (those with egg allergy can use other flu medications within 24 hours of developing flu symptoms).
  • People who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine.
  • People who have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of a flu vaccine.
  • Children less than 6 months old.
  • People who currently are sick with a fever (they should wait until well to get vaccinated).

People with Egg Allergies

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, it might be possible for a person with egg allergy to receive a flu vaccine if and when the risks of not getting vaccinated outweigh a potential allergic reaction.

When egg allergy is suspected, patients should be skin-tested to the flu vaccine. If the flu vaccine is warranted, it can be administered in the office of an allergy specialist who can administer emergency treatment if necessary.

Seasonal Flu Reactions

The potential side effects of the seasonal flu vaccine may be similar.

Reactions to the seasonal flu injection can include:

  • Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
  • Low-grade fever
  • Aches

Reactions to the seasonal flu inhaler can include:

(in children)

  • Runny nose
  • Wheezing
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle aches
  • Fever

(in adults)

  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Cough