Immediate adverse events to the yellow fever vaccine in egg-allergic children

Introduction: The yellow fever vaccine is grown in embryonated chicken eggs and may be contraindicated for egg-allergic individuals. When indicated, it should be applied with caution, after testing and desensitization. Its safety in egg-allergic patients is still poorly studied. Objective: To describe a pediatric population referred for egg allergy, with or without a confirmed diagnosis, and cases of immediate-type adverse events to the yellow fever vaccine at a reference center for special immunobiologicals. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study collected retrospective data from children between 9 months and 12 years of age who were vaccinated for yellow fever between 2018 and 2019 and had a history of egg allergy. Results: In the 829 children diagnosed with presumed egg allergy, a higher prevalence of symptoms was identified after egg exposure, with detectable specific IgE for egg, egg white, and/ or egg albumin. Yellow fever vaccine tests were performed in 25 children suspected of severe allergy or anaphylaxis to eggs, and 15 (60%) tested positive to the vaccine after desensitization. Only 11 (1.3%) cases of immediate adverse events to the vaccine occurred, all classified as non-serious events that especially involved the skin (local reaction and rash or urticaria). Most events occurred in children under 2 years of age, those symptomatic after egg ingestion, and those with high levels of specific IgE to egg white. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the yellow fever vaccine can be safely administered to egg-allergic children, including those with a history of anaphylaxis, in an appropriate environment and with specialized professionals.