What Contraindications Have Been Attributed to Flu Vaccine

There are several types of flu vaccines, and each has its own contraindications to consider before getting the shot.

A contraindication refers to a specific situation in which a procedure or medication, in this case a vaccination, should not be used because it could have adverse effects on the patient, according to Patient.

The first vaccine form is inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV). In this case, those who have had severe allergic reactions to any sort of flu vaccine or a component of the shot, specifically egg protein, should abstain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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For the recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV), those who have experienced severe allergic reactions after previously taking the RIV dose or being exposed to one of its ingredients should not get this vaccine. RIV does not have egg protein, according to the CDC.

The final form of the flu injection is live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). Those who have had allergic reactions to components of LAIV or any other influenza shot should not take this injection.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices adds LAIV should not be used by pregnant women, immunosuppressed adults, and adults with an egg allergy.

Children and adults with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurological or neuromuscular, hematologic, or metabolic disorders should not use LAIV. The only exception is isolated hypertension.

Those who have taken influenza antiviral medications within 48 hours also should not get this influenza shot, according to the ACIP. Users should avoid these medications for 14 days after receiving the injection.

Patient reported those receiving salicylate therapy and have severe asthma or are wheezing should not receive LAIV.

Most IIV and LAIV immunizations are cultured on fluid from chicken embryos, according to Up To Date, leading to small amounts of egg protein being in the vaccinations.

Scientists instead use influenza antigens from insect cells using vectors to carry genes of the target antigens to create RIV, allowing for those with egg allergies to have access to the injection, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

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