Influenza, Tetanus, Yellow Fever, and Influenza nasal sprays are made from eggs.
There are two new influenza no-egg vaccines on the market. Influenza vaccines have had technological advancements due to the need for a vaccine that is not derived from egg proteins. One is made from mammalian cells and the other is made using DNA technology. These new shots are not made from avian cells and are now available for adults and children with egg allergies. When a doctor gives a shot for influenza to a person with allergies, you must remain in the office for around 30 minutes in case of a reaction.
Flucelvax quadrivalent is the only egg-free culture-based flu vaccine licensed for use in the United States. It is approved for people 65 years and older. The flu viruses are grown in cultured cells of mammalian origin (Madin-Darby Canine kidney, or MDCK cells) instead of in hen’s eggs. The MDCK is the Isolation of epithelial cells from the kidney tubule of an adult cocker spaniel dog.
Vaccines are given as a medicinal product. They are created for potential life-saving protection against the possibility of serious infections.
What are Cell-based Influenza Vaccines
Cell-based flu vaccines are created by growing flu viruses in hen’s eggs. This process is still used for the original vaccine and is given to people who do not have an egg allergy. It is not used to make LAIV (Nasal spray flu vaccines).
What is DNA Technology
The processes used to create the vaccines can contain micro-organisms that are purified and selected for synthesis using DNA technology. It involves the direct placement into appropriate tissues of a plasmid with a DNA sequence encoding the antigen against an immune response. DNA vaccines require an electrical impulse to push the genetic message into the cell. DNA vaccines trick your body into creating an immune response to the protein and help to enable your body to fight the real virus you encounter. DNA does have the potential risk to affect your genes.
What is Influenza Nasal Sprays
Influenza nasal sprays (LAIV- live attenuated influenza vaccine nasal spray) are made to fight the symptoms of the flu, and most are manufactured using egg-based technologies. Nasal Sprays contain a small number of egg proteins, such as ovalbumin therefore, anyone allergic to eggs should not take this. . The nasal spray vaccine protects against four flu viruses: A(H3N1) and A(H3N2), and two influenza B viruses. Flu Mist was removed from the U.S. market as it only reduced the risk of influenza by 3 percent. Other Countries including Canada and the European Union still use it.
Side Effects of Influenza Nasal Sprays
They include a runny or blocked nose, muscle aches, and headaches. The side effects for people who are not allergic to eggs usually don’t last a long time. Not recommended for anyone taking aspirin or medicines containing aspirin. It should not be taken within 4 weeks of taking aspirin. Children under 2 years of age have an increased risk of wheezing. There are rare cases of seizures reported. If you have an egg allergy the symptoms are much worse. Inflammation of nose tissue, breathing issues, and anaphylactic reactions.
Can Anyone Take the Influenza Nasal Spray Vaccine
The nasal spray vaccine may be given to people who are not pregnant and people ages 2 through 49 years of age. Anyone 50 and above should not take this. Children and adults who are asthmatic or have underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, and neurologic/neuromuscular or metabolic disorders are at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications. People with Guillain-Barre syndrome or a weakened immune system should not use the influenza nasal spray vaccine. Because of limited use, the United States since 2018 – 2019 has not kept records as to the estimates of the effectiveness of LAIV Nasal Flu Vaccine Sprays. This information is current through the date I published this article on April 27, 2023.
How are Tetanus vaccines made
Tetanus vaccines are cultured in chicken embryos. According to medical science, there are no traces of egg protein remaining in the finished product. The Tetanus vaccines are grown in liquid media, the toxin is purified and then inactivated by treatment with formaldehyde to produce the toxoid antigen. Once this is done it goes through a purification and sterilization process. The tetanus toxoid is then formulated with calcium salts or aluminum and administered as an intramuscular injection. In an adult, the Tetanus vaccine is a shot that is given once every 10 years.
My experience with this shot revealed to me and my doctor that I am indeed a person who gets an allergic reaction from this. Only you and your doctor or allergist can decide if you or your child is a good candidate for a Tetanus vaccine.
Can Children With Egg Intolerance Take the Tetanus Vaccine
Researchers found that some children can take the shot. For a child with an egg allergy, this is a case-by-case decision that should be made by an allergist or your doctor.
Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Have Eggs in it
Yellow fever vaccines can provoke an allergic reaction as it contains the egg protein ovalbumin. The quantities are sufficient in the serum to cause allergic reactions in people or children who suffer from egg allergies.
Do Travelers Require a Yellow Fever Vaccine
It’s given to travelers entering countries where there is a risk of contracting yellow fever, so plan your vacations wisely. It’s not recommended for anyone with an egg allergy but is sometimes given under medical supervision after testing for a reaction. Anyone with a severe allergy to any part of the vaccine, including eggs and, chicken proteins or gelatin should not get the vaccine. Usually, a single dose of yellow fever vaccine provides long-lasting protection and a booster dose of the vaccine is not needed. It is always important to check with your doctor or an allergist for shots required to go out of the country.
What is Porcine Gelatine
This type of gelatine comes from the collagen in pigs. It is broken down into small molecules called peptides and is a stabilizer. Gelatin can also come from chickens, cattle, and fish. Collagen is found in bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Gelatines used for medicines are manufactured under extremely strict hygiene and safety regulations. Gelatin is used in many medicines, including capsules and some vaccines. The yellow fever vaccine uses porcine gelatin. Porcine gelatin is safe for egg allergy adults and children, however, the Yellow Fever vaccine does contain egg so it is not safe.
Some Medications That Use Porcine Gelatine are
- Fluenz Tetra is a nasal spray vaccine that protects children against flu and is used in the UK.
- MMR VaxPro is a vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella used in the UK. The United States uses Priorix and M-M-R-II.
- Zostavax protects older adults against shingles and is used in the UK. Zostavax is no longer used in the United States effective November 18, 2020. The reason is no longer used in the United States is because it loses its ability to prevent shingles after five years. The United States uses acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness.
What countries require the Yellow fever vaccine
Countries with largely populated areas of mosquito density and where people have little or no immunity due to a lack of vaccination are subject to getting yellow fever. The following countries require the yellow fever vaccine for anyone older than 9 months or 1 year. Unvaccinated travelers may, upon arrival be placed under surveillance or quarantine for up to 6 days if arriving within 6 days of a high-risk country,
High-risk Countries for Yellow Fever are:
Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameron, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, DRC, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo, Uganda, Venezuela.
