Expert panel recommends a new option for adults with severe egg allergies who skip flu shots

ATLANTA – People with serious egg allergies may no longer have to worry about flu shots.

A federal advisory panel on Thursday said a new vaccine that’s made without eggs is an option for adults with severe allergies. Current flu shots are made from viruses grown in eggs and could trigger allergic reactions in some cases.

The new Flublok vaccine is made with cell technology, which is used for other kinds of vaccines. It was licensed in January by Protein Sciences Corp.

Officials don’t know how many Americans skip flu shots because they’re allergic to eggs.

About 1 in 66 children have egg allergies, though most kids outgrow them. The new vaccine is not an option for kids. So far it’s licensed only for adults ages 18 to 49.

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Mike Stobbe

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