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Many people avoid the flu vaccine because they are allergic to eggs. While flu vaccines are incubated in chicken eggs, only those people with severe anaphylactic reactions to eggs need to avoid the vaccine.

Allergy to hen’s egg occurs in an estimated 2 to 3% of young children and most outgrow their allergy by primary school age. Egg allergy in adults is extremely rare.

Lesser reactions to eggs like hives or mild rashes pose no danger and aren't a reason to avoid the vaccine, as long as the vaccinated are observed for 15 to 30 minutes after the vaccine is administered. 

For the latest on flu jabs and cold remedies, visit the Cold & Flu Centre.

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