Influenza, Allergies and Orthopedics - Oh My!

Did you know the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination to prevent 17 vaccine-preventable diseases that occur in infants, children, adolescents, or adults. The flu vaccine is just one of the 17 preventable diseases. 

For many of us it is as easy as going to the doctors office and getting your shot (or nasal spray). While some of us this task is all too daunting, because of an egg allergy. 

Influenza Vaccination of People with a History of Egg Allergy

Most influenza vaccines, with the exception of recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4) and cell culture-based influenza vaccine (ccIIV4), are cultured in eggs and might contain trace amounts of egg protein (e.g., ovalbumin).

• People with a history of egg allergy who have experienced only urticaria (hives) after exposure to egg should receive influenza vaccine. Any recommended and ageappropriate influenza vaccine (i.e., any IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) that is otherwise appropriate for their health status may be used.
• People who report having had reactions to egg involving symptoms other than urticaria (hives), such as angioedema or swelling, respiratory distress, lightheadedness, or recurrent vomiting, or who required epinephrine or another emergency medical intervention, may similarly receive any recommended, and age-appropriate influenza vaccine (i.e., any IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status. If a vaccine other than ccIIV4 or RIV4 is used, the selected vaccine should be administered in a medical setting (e.g., clinic, health department, physician office) and supervised by a healthcare provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions.
• A previous severe allergic reaction to influenza vaccine, regardless of the component suspected of being responsible for the reaction, is a contraindication to future receipt of the vaccine.
• Regardless of allergy history, all vaccines should be administered in settings in which personnel and equipment for rapid recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis are available.*

Abbreviations

• IIV = Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (Afluria Quadrivalent, Fluad, Fluad Quadrivalent, Fluarix Quadrivalent, FluLaval Quadrivalent, Fluzone Quadrivalent)
• ccIIV4 = Cell-cultured inactivated influenza vaccine (Flucelvax Quadrivalent)
• RIV4 = Recombinant Influenza Vaccine (Flublok Quadrivalent)
• LAIV4 = Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (FluMist Quadrivalent)

Getting the Vaccine 

The flu vaccination 'best practice' guidance is intended for clinicians and other health care providers who vaccinate patients in varied settings, including hospitals, provider offices, pharmacies, schools, community health centers, and public health clinics. This is because vaccination providers help patients understand the substantial body of (occasionally conflicting) information about vaccination. 

At Perimeter Orthopaedics, we strive ourselves to help the community in all ways possible. With Covid19 still in the way, we will be offering the flu shot in our practice as a way to limit your trips to the doctors office. 

Schedule a Visit

High-quality orthopedic care is invaluable - your health is invaluable. 

If you would like to learn more, please call us at 404-255-5595 to schedule a visit with one of our providers. 

References

*CDC. Best practices guidance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Committee (ACIP). Access the CDC guidance here.

Adapted from the CDC, “Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices – United States…Access links to current recommendations at here.

Author

Lauren Mueller Marketing