January 17, 2013

Another Egg-Free Flu Vaccine Approved by FDA

First there was Flucelvax introduced in 2012 and now there is Flublock, both considered egg-free for those concerned with egg allergy in traditional flu vaccines.

Rather than being cultured in eggs, Flucelvax is cultured in mammalian cells and Flublock is grown in caterpillar cells injected by an insect virus containing the flu gene.

Both vaccines are approved for use in people 18 years and older.

Why the concern of egg-allergic patients with the traditional flu vaccine used to defend against both seasonal and pandemic flu virus?

Traditionally, the flu shot vaccine (both H1N1 and seasonal) are grown inside eggs which is where this concern arises. It also doesn't help that the pre-flu shot questionnaire specifically asks about egg allergy. Though egg-based, during vaccine production the egg protein is filtered out such that there should be no egg contaminants in the final vaccine. However, it is theoretically possible that some egg may still be present in the vaccine.

Although there is an infinitesimal possibility of egg contaminants, studies have shown that even patients with life-threatening egg allergy can still safely have the flu vaccine.

In spite of these reassurances, there are still concerns from patients and healthcare professionals which makes the availability of two different egg-free flu vaccines welcome news.

Source:
FDA approves next-generation, bug-based flu vaccine. MSNBC 1/16/13
Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.

You might be interested in reading...

  • Ear Pain Causes Based on Acupuncture Principles
    09/17/2012 - 0 Comments
    When a patient complains of ear pain or pressure, I wonder if an acupuncturist sees a problem with the whole…
  • Christmas Tree Allergy (Mold and Pollen Studies)
    12/05/2014 - 0 Comments
    Ever wonder what a live Christmas Tree brings into a home other than happy holiday cheer? For those with…
  • Cigarettes Contain Radioactive Polonium
    09/30/2011 - 0 Comments
    Cigarettes are known to cause cancer... But we now know there's another reason why... they contain…
  • The Rationing of High Cost Healthcare
    06/10/2012 - 0 Comments
    I would like to start this blog article with an extreme hypothetical situation... Imagine a pharmaceutical…
  • LECTURE: Your Voice: When It's Good and When It Isn't
    05/11/2006 - 0 Comments
    Lecture to be given by Dr. Chang on May 11, 2006 at 7PM in Fauquier Hospital, Sycamore Room.
  • Videos by Dr. Chang Shown on NBC Newscast!
    12/10/2016 - 0 Comments
    Image from KFRYTV of Minot, ND Courtesy of Dr. Bethany Jensen, YouTube videos by Dr. Chang were shown on a…
  • An All-Natural Deadly Insecticide But Non-Toxic (& Drinkable) to Humans
    04/18/2011 - 0 Comments
    It's about TIME!!! I read this fascinating story on NPR here. An all-natural insect repellant called…
  • WP: Vaccine that Prevents the High of Cocaine!
    01/05/2010 - 0 Comments
    The Washington Post on January 5, 2010 published a story "Testing of cocaine vaccine shows it does not fully…

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Dr. Chang, Flucelvax is NOT an egg-free flu vaccine. It contains 1% egg. I was initially thrilled to hear of the vaccine since I am a registered nurse in Atlanta that has a severe egg allergy. This requires me to wear a mask during the entire flu season during patient care. However, when I went to obtain the Flucelvax at Walgreen's the pharmacist refused to administer it stating because I have a severe egg allergy it is not recommended. I notified the manufacturer and expressed my disdain because I feel there is false advertisement in the marketing of this so called "eggless" vaccine. By the way the other vaccine is spelled Flublok.


Banner Map

Pediatric Neck Masses

Adult Neck Mass Workup