Measles immunization in children with a history of egg allergy

Abstract

This study investigated the use of measles vaccine in children with a history of egg protein hypersensitivity, referred between 1987 and 1993 to a specialist immunization facility. Two hundred children were seen of whom 199 were immunized without any adverse effect; one child had an anaphylactic reaction. The proportion experiencing an anaphylactic reaction was 0.5% (95% CI 0.01-2.75%). It is believed that a history of egg protein allergy should no longer be regarded as a contra-indication to vaccination. Skin testing prior to measles immunization should, however, continue.