MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

US OK’s new non-eggs flu vaccine for adults with severe allergies

Flublok vaccine is made with cell technology, which is used for other kinds of vaccines.

People with serious egg allergies may no longer have to worry about flu shots. A United States government advisory panel 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 US citizens 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.

Flublok is approved for people 18-49 years old to prevent influenza disease. The most common side effect from Flublok is pain at the site of injection. Other side effects may occur and include fatigue, headache and muscle aches.

Flublok should not be administered to anyone with a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any vaccine component. Flublok does not contain any preservatives (e.g., thimerosal, a mercury derivative), antibiotics, egg proteins or latex.

Tell the doctor if you have ever experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness) within 6 weeks of receipt of a previous dose of influenza vaccine. If you notice any other problems or symptoms following vaccination, please contact your healthcare professional immediately. Vaccination with Flublok may not protect all individuals.