Egg Allergy and Vaccines: What You Need to Know About Safety and Risks

When you have an egg allergy, a reaction to proteins found in chicken eggs, often causing hives, swelling, or trouble breathing. Also known as chicken egg hypersensitivity, it affects about 1.3% of children and often fades with age. Many people with this allergy wonder: are vaccines, biological preparations that stimulate the immune system to protect against diseases safe? The answer isn’t what most people think.

Some vaccines—like the flu shot, yellow fever, and some rabies vaccines—are made using chicken eggs. The virus grows in egg fluid, and tiny traces of egg protein, the specific allergen that triggers reactions in sensitive people can remain. But here’s the key: studies from the CDC, AAP, and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology show that even people with severe egg allergies can safely get these vaccines. No special precautions are needed for most. No allergy testing. No split dosing. Just a standard shot, followed by the usual 15-minute observation period.

Why does this work? The amount of egg protein in modern vaccines is so low—often less than 1 microgram—that it doesn’t trigger a reaction in nearly all cases. The real risk isn’t the egg. It’s fear. Many doctors still tell patients to avoid the flu shot because of outdated guidelines. But that’s changing. In 2023, the CDC updated its advice to say: "People with egg allergy can receive any licensed, recommended influenza vaccine appropriate for their age and health status." The same applies to the MMR and varicella vaccines, which are made with chick embryo cells, not egg white. No egg protein left behind.

There are exceptions. The yellow fever vaccine still has higher egg protein levels. If you have a history of anaphylaxis to eggs, talk to an allergist before getting it. Same goes for any vaccine you’ve never had before and are unsure about. But for the flu shot? It’s safe. For the MMR? Safe. For the rabies vaccine? Safe, even if you’ve broken out in hives from scrambled eggs.

What you should do: Don’t skip the flu shot because of an egg allergy. Don’t assume you’re at risk. Don’t let old myths keep you from protection. If you’ve had a reaction to eggs in the past, bring your medical history to your provider. They can check your vaccine records, confirm the type of vaccine, and give you peace of mind. The science is clear. The risk is tiny. The benefit? Huge.

Below, you’ll find real-world stories, medical guidelines, and updates on how vaccines are made—so you know exactly what you’re getting, and why you don’t need to be afraid.