CDC committee recommends specific flu vaccine as an option for people with egg allergy

The immunization advisory committee at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week recommended using the vaccine FluBlok in the 2013-14 flu season for people aged 18 through 49 years with egg allergy.

Unlike other available seasonal flu vaccines, FluBlok does not use the influenza virus or chicken eggs in its manufacturing process and can be used in adults with an egg allergy of any severity, the CDC said in a release. FluBlok was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2013. The most common side effects are pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.

FluBlok has a shorter shelf life than other influenza vaccines, so clinicians should be sure to check the expiration date before administering it, the CDC said.