Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein MOG35-55 Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis EAE in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: April 15, 2014
Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine for children with egg allergy: Is admission for inpatient vaccination necessary?
1Seberang Jaya Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Jalan Tun Hussein Onn, 13700 Perai, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. tanmeisee@yahoo.com.
Insights
Children with mild egg allergies can safely receive the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine without hospital admission. This study found no association between egg allergy and adverse MMR vaccine reactions, suggesting unnecessary hospitalizations for vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Allergy
Background:
- Children with hypersensitivity reactions to eggs are often hospitalized for Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccination to prevent anaphylaxis.
- The necessity of hospital admission for MMR vaccination in egg-allergic children requires examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hypersensitivity reactions to egg exposure and subsequent reactions to MMR vaccination.
- To assess the need for inpatient hospital admission for MMR vaccination in children with a history of egg allergy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involved 87 infants, comparing those with mild egg allergy to a control group without egg allergy.
- Children with egg allergy received MMR vaccination as inpatients and were monitored for allergic reactions.
- Children without egg allergy who had received MMR vaccination at local polyclinics were also assessed for post-vaccination reactions.
Main Results:
- Of 54 infants with egg allergy, two developed mild cutaneous rashes post-MMR vaccination; none experienced anaphylaxis.
- Two infants in the control group (without egg allergy) developed fever after vaccination.
- No statistically significant association was found between egg allergy and hypersensitivity reactions to the MMR vaccine (p=0.632).
Conclusions:
- MMR vaccine can be safely administered to children with mild egg allergy.
- Routine hospital admission for MMR vaccination in children with mild egg allergy is not warranted.
- Risk stratification is recommended to identify infants who may require admission for vaccination due to severe allergic histories.
Introduction:
Children who develop any hypersensitivity reaction to eggs are routinely referred to hospital for Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccination as inpatients to prevent anaphylaxis. We aimed to study the association between hypersensitivity reactions after egg exposure and similar reactions after MMR immunisation; and examine the necessity of hospital admission for vaccination.
Methods:
A prospective observational study was conducted in Paediatric Department in Bukit Mertajam Hospital, Penang, between March and December 2014. Children referred from local polyclinics for inpatient MMR vaccination because of a history of egg allergy were recruited. The children were observed in the ward for post vaccination allergic reactions. Concurrently, a group of children without egg allergy was recruited from those admitted for other illnesses but had recent MMR vaccination at polyclinics. Parents of these children were interviewed and asked if they had observed any reactions post vaccination. In both groups, sociodemographics, medical history and family history of atopy were collected.
Results:
Eighty-seven subjects were recruited in this study. Fifty-four infants with egg allergy had previous mild allergic reactions after exposure to eggs or egg-related products. They were associated with a family history of egg hypersensitivity, personal history of acute gastroenteritis and upper respiratory tract infections. Two of them developed cutaneous rashes post vaccination during observation, but none developed anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions. Two infants among those without egg allergy had post vaccination fever. There was no association between egg allergy and hypersensitivity reactions to MMR vaccine (p=0.632).
Conclusions:
MMR vaccine can be safely administered to children with mild egg allergy, hence admission for vaccination in the hospital is not warranted. Risk stratification is required to ensure only infants with severe reactions will be admitted for vaccination.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:10Antibody Structure
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis