Measles immunization in children with clinical reactions to egg protein
A. Kemp, P. Van Asperen and A. Mukhi
Department of Immunology, Children's Hospital, Camper-down, Sydney, Australia.
Thirty-five egg-sensitive children who received measles immunization
without adverse sequelae are described. Thirty-two of the children had a
history of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to egg protein, including
22 who developed a generalized reaction after oral exposure to egg. There
were also 3 highly allergic children, with immediate hypersensitivity
reactions to other food, who, despite having never been exposed to egg,
developed large skin prick test wheals to egg white. Measles vaccine was
given to all children without prior vaccine skin testing. There were no
adverse reactions. It is suggested that measles vaccine can be given to
children with a history of generalized or localized urticaria/angioedema on
exposure to egg protein without prior skin testing.
