infections
Overview of Immunization
Vaccination Restrictions and Precautions
For many vaccines, the only reason for not being vaccinated is A serious, life-threatening allergic reaction (such as an Anaphylactic Reactions ) to the vaccine or to one of its components is common in the United States. Many people with egg allergy can safely receive vaccines that contain very small amounts of material from eggs, such as Influenza Vaccine . There is concern about using such vaccines in people who are allergic to eggs. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that although mild reactions may occur, serious allergic reactions ( Recommendations for the influenza vaccine vary according to the severity of the allergic reaction to eggs and the vaccine: If people had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction after they were given the influenza vaccine or eggs, they shouldnotbe given the influenza vaccine. If people had a more serious reaction, such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness, or reactions that required an injection of the drugepinephrineor other emergency treatment, they should get the vaccine in a medical setting supervised by a clinician who has experience recognizing and managing severe allergic reactions. If people had only a rash after exposure to eggs or the vaccine, they may be given the vaccine. Experts generally think these CDC recommendations also are appropriate in regard to other egg-derived vaccines besides influenza. Vaccines that contain live organismsshould not be used or should be delayed in people with certain conditions, such as Use of Some Drugs That Can Cause Immunodeficiency (immunosuppressants), such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs A Disorders That Can Cause Immunodeficiency , such as AIDS Pregnancy Development of Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks after a previous dose of the vaccine In some cases, to prevent spreading infection to people with a weakened immune system, people who live with them should also not be given vaccines that contain live organisms. If people stop taking the drugs that suppress their immune system or if their weakened immune system recovers sufficiently, giving them vaccines that contain live virus may be safe. 