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Article: Flu Shots and Allergy
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- November 25, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Q. My doctor doesn't want to give me a flu shot because 15
years ago I developed an allergy to contact lens solutions
containing thimerosal. Should I avoid flu shots from now on? Also,
I'm planning a trip abroad, and will be getting some other
vaccinations. Will this be a problem for me? Is there anything else
I can do to prevent the flu?
A. Thimerosal is a preservative found in several kinds of
medicines, including some eye drops as well as flu shots. However,
most people who are allergic to thimerosal don't develop any serious
problems after getting a flu shot.
Because flu shots contain trace amounts of egg protein,
people with severe allergies to eggs can also react to flu ...