October 2014
ADVICE ON INFLUENZA VACCINATION FOR EGG ALLERGIC CHILDREN.
Please refer to Chapter 19 of the Green Immunisations book which states that:
An influenza vaccine with ovalbumin content of < 0.12 mcg/ml can be administered in
Primary Care unless:
1. Confirmed anaphylaxis to egg
i.e. severe respiratory difficulty or cardiovascular compromise. (Urticarial rash,
facial swelling and vomiting alone do not define anaphylaxis).
A previous positive skin prick test and/or positive blood test for egg in the absence of
confirmed anaphylaxis do not fulfil these criteria.
2. Egg allergy and asthma who are at or above step 4 of the BTS/SIGN asthma treatment
guidelines( See BNF for BTS guidelines)
- inhaled steroid dose of >400mcg/day beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) or equivalent
+LABA +/- Montelukast in > 5 year olds
- inhaled steroid dose of >400mcg/day beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) or equivalent
+/- Montelukast in < 5 year olds
Where the answer to either of the above questions is YES/ UNSURE please refer the
child for consideration of administering the influenza vaccination in hospital. This
should be done in a timely fashion during the month of October.
Second Dose of the Vaccination:
Children aged 6 months to 9 years will require a second dose of influenza vaccine at least 4
weeks later, if they have not received the vaccine before.
IF EITHER 1 or 2 ABOVE APPLY PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:
Patient ID:
Name:
DOB:
Address:
Postcode:
Referring GP Practice Name:
Contact number of GP to be contacted (direct line or mobile) Tel:...........................
Please send or fax referrals to Dr JA Christopher or Prof Paul Heath on: 020 8725 3741
Paediatrics Department, St George’s Hospital