Anaphylaxis

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released its preliminary forecast for the 2023-2024 flu season. While the CDC has yet to release its first estimates for the geographic spread of the virus during the upcoming flu season, it has adjusted its

With flu season just around the corner, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is

Pain after a flu shot is normal. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is one of the many vaccines that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend for routine administration to children and adults. While the HPV vaccine is generally safe for most people, it carries certain risks, and these risks lead to serious consequences for a very small percentage of

It’s flu season, and while Americans anxiously await the arrival of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, it is important not to forget about the annual flu shot. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu shot

If you are planning to travel abroad, you may need to get a vaccine before you go. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend various vaccines for individuals who are traveling to overseas destinations, and these vaccines can provide critical protection against diseases that do not present a threat in the United States.

The CDC maintains an online database of recommended travel vaccines, and you can search the CDC’s travel vaccine database based on the country (or countries) to which you are planning to travel.

For individuals who are allergic to gelatin or egg protein, getting immunized with certain vaccines can carry the risk of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic (or “hypersensitivity”) reaction; and, while it is rare overall, it presents a significant concern for individuals who have these allergies. As a result, prior to getting vaccinated, individuals who have gelatin or egg protein allergies should consult with their physicians to determine whether it is safe to do so.

Which Vaccines Contain Gelatin?

Gelatin is used as a preservative in various vaccine formulations. For example, gelatin may be present in vaccines including (but not limited to) those used to prevent:

• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP)

• Influenza (nasal spray formulations)

• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and the separate vaccinations for each of these diseases

• Rabies

• Singles

• Varicella (chickenpox)

Which Vaccines Contain Egg Protein?

Egg protein is used in the production of certain vaccines.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the standard childhood vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also recommends MMR vaccination for adults who have not previously been vaccinated. Like all CDC-recommended vaccines, the MMR vaccine is generally safe for most people.

When getting vaccinated, it is important to be aware of both the side effects of the particular vaccine as well as the signs of related vaccine illnesses and injuries. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain, “Usually vaccine side effects are minor .

Having an allergic reaction to a vaccine can potentially lead to serious consequences. A severe allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis, and the effects of anaphylaxis can range from swelling and hives to anaphylactic shock.

So, how can you find out if you are allergic to a vaccine?

Consult with Your Doctor

As with all medical questions, if you would like to find out if you are allergic to a vaccine, you should consult with your doctor. Your doctor can review your medical history, order any necessary tests and determine if you are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction to a particular vaccine.

Review the Vaccine’s List of Ingredients

When someone says that he or she is allergic to a vaccine, what that person really means is that he or she is allergic to a particular vaccine ingredient.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended vaccines. The CDC