Influenza vaccinees had significantly higher F1 IgE-specific antibodies following vaccination, suggesting a contamination of vaccine products with allergens of egg origin.

PMID: 

Epidemiol Infect. 1988 Apr ;100(2):291-9. PMID: 3356225

Abstract Title: 

Serological examination of IgE- and IgG-specific antibodies to egg protein during influenza virus immunization.

Abstract: 

The concentrations of serum IgE (PRIST) and IgE- and IgG-specific antibodies to egg protein were determined in paired sera taken from students who had received influenza virus vaccine. Although persons who gave a history of allergy to egg or to chicken feathers were excluded, 10-16% of vaccinees possessed higher titres of serum IgE and IgE-specific antibody (RAST) to egg white (F1) allergen before vaccination. The titres of IgG-specific antibody to egg protein (ovalbumin and ovomucoid antigens) were negligible, and did not show any significant response after vaccination. In contrast, IgE-specific antibody to F1 allergen rose significantly in a considerable number of the vaccines. The results obtained indicate possible contamination of vaccine products with allergens of egg origin and a potential risk of allergic manifestation after influenza vaccination.

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