Measles immunisation in children with allergy to egg.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the occurrence of adverse reactions to measles vaccine given as a single dose to children with egg allergy, and to determine if the administration of single dose to children with a positive result in an intradermal skin prick test with the vaccine is associated with adverse reactions.


METHODS
Review of results of immunisation and prospective study of 96 consecutively presenting children given intradermal skin testing with the vaccine.


METHODS
Children's allergy centre.


METHODS
410 children sensitive to egg referred to the allergy unit for advice about measles immunisation.


METHODS
Nature and severity of reactions associated with the administration of measles vaccine.


RESULTS
All children had a positive result in a skin prick test with egg white, and five had a positive result in a skin prick test with vaccine. Of 96 consecutive children, 46 had a positive result in an intradermal test with vaccine. After immunisation with a full dose (0.5 ml) of vaccine adverse reactions were associated with a mild reaction in four children, none of whom required treatment. Only one of the 46 children with a positive result in an intradermal vaccine skin test had a reaction associated with vaccine administration. None of the children with a positive result in a skin prick test with measles vaccine reacted to the vaccine. The rate of minor reactions to the vaccine not requiring treatment was 0.98% (95% confidence interval 0.27% to 2.48%) and serious reactions requiring treatment was 0% (0% to 0.9%).


CONCLUSIONS
Children with IgE mediated allergic reactions to egg protein should be investigated and managed by practitioners with special knowledge in this subject. Measles immunisation should be performed in a setting where any adverse reactions can be dealt with appropriately. Skin tests and measles vaccine and desensitisation are not necessary.
Aickin
R
R
Department of Allergy, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Hill
D
D
Kemp
A
A
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D004527:Egg Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D004531:Eggs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects*
D004527:Egg Proteins; D008458:Measles Vaccine