MMR vaccine and egg allergy. Experience in a hospital immunization unit

Introduction: We review the scientific evidence on the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (produced in chicken embryo cell culture) in children with egg allergy. Data on the reactogenicity observed with this vaccine in a large series of children with this type of allergy immunized in an hospital immunization unit are presented. Material and methods: An observational prospective study was performed in the International Immunization Unit of the Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Service of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital from March 2004 to December 2005. Demographic variables, clinical history of allergy, and the adverse reactions observed 30 minutes after vaccine administration were analyzed. Result: A total of 140 patients (106 referred for the first MMR vaccine dose, and 34 for the second) were evaluated. Of these, 75.7 % showed clinical signs after egg ingestion (severe reactions were described in only seven patients: respiratory distress in six and systemic anaphylaxis in one). The MMR vaccine was administered to 121 children. No significant adverse reactions were observed (17.8 % of the vaccinated children developed mild local symptoms). Conclusions: According to current scientific evidence and the data obtained in this study, the MMR vaccine is safe in patients with egg allergy.