Question

The nurse in a pediatrician's office is speaking with the parent of an 8-year-old child who is concerned about the child receiving the annual flu vaccine due to an egg allergy. How should the nurse respond?

A
"We can premedicate the child to prevent an allergic reaction."
B
"Your child should not be receiving the flu vaccine."
C
"We have new types of flu vaccines where an egg allergy does not matter."
D
"You can schedule an appointment to have the vaccine administered in our office."

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the parent that new types of flu vaccines that do not cause issues for people with an egg allergy are available, hence the child can still be safely vaccinated against the flu. correct answer is C

"We have new types of flu vaccines where an egg allergy does not matter."

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct response to the parent's concern about their child with an egg allergy receiving the yearly flu vaccine is C: "We have new types of flu vaccines where an egg allergy does not matter." This provides the most accurate and current information regarding vaccine administration for individuals with egg allergies.

Traditionally, most influenza vaccines are made using egg-based technology and thus contain a small amount of egg protein, which could potentially cause an allergic reaction in people with severe egg allergies. However, there has been the development and availability of egg-free flu vaccines in recent years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now states that egg allergies are no longer a contraindication for receiving the influenza vaccine. In fact, even people with egg allergies are recommended to get a flu shot, as it is an important preventative tool against the influenza virus, which can cause severe illness, especially in young children.

Elena's situation emphasizes the importance of vaccinating children against preventable diseases, dispelling myths like the discredited link between vaccines and autism, and highlights the resurgence of diseases once thought controlled, such as measles, due to reduced vaccination rates.